Views surrounding disruption and dissolution are widely divided. Many believe adoptions should never be allowed to disrupt or dissolve; some think disruption or dissolution is the answer at the first sign of trouble; and others believe disruption or dissolution can be the best solution for families and children in certain extreme cases.

Whatever our position, it’s prudent to remember that:

• the risk of arriving at the point of disruption or dissolution can be minimized if full disclosure is made to prospective adoptive parents, and if parents take advantage of every learning opportunity to understand what challenges may be encountered;
• the child’s well-being and best interests must be paramount.

The sad fact is that some adoptions do reach the point where parents consider disruption or dissolution, and the lack of guidance, procedures, support, and compassion can throw families already stressed to the breaking point into chaos, not knowing where to turn or what steps to take.There is a shockingly small amount of information on this topic available to the general public. Disruption statistics are easy to find, but a guide to the before, during, and after of the process? This is a first.

Disruption is not a topic of general conversation – possibly because no one wants to anticipate the failure of an adoption, or because it seems to imply that the peopleinvolved (agencies, parents, professionals) have failed a child. The topic can generate accusatory and negative comments and, as a result, many who face the prospect of disruption or dissolution often take their discussions to private groups where they may try to find their own solutions. It is time to bring disruption discussions out into the open.

This article on disruption and dissolution strives to provide accessible, reliable, plain-language information and increase understanding of the challenges that face families in extreme crisis.

Click here to go to the article at Adoption.org.