The ties that bind : an exploratory study into the relationships in open adoption : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

After 30 years of using closed stranger adoption practices, a societal shift in adoption protocols has evolved where open adoption has become the preferred adoption practice. One of the implications to come from open adoption is a new type of parental relationship where there is the possibility of two parental bodies (birth parent and adopted parent) being involved in an adopted child’s life. This differs from the socially constructed ‘norm’ of a family unit, where the parent – child relationship is dyadic. Because this newly evolved triadic relationship is not strongly role-modelled in society, a new set of rules and norms has needed to be constructed by the adoption triad as they negotiate and define their family unit. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of those involved in an open adoption. Three adoptive parents, three birthparents and three adoptees were interviewed with the purpose of exploring the dynamics in their open adoption relationships. Through these interviews the research reveals insights into how triadic relationships of the participants are maintained, highlighting the rewards and challenges of this type of family relationship.