The Changing Landscape of Irish Adoption: An Analysis of Trends (1999–2016)

ABSTRACT

The historical legacy and the changing landscape of adoption in Ireland are currently garnering much attention. However, to date, the specifics of the changes have not yet been presented. This article provides a detailed numerical overview of who is being adopted and who is adopting in Ireland. The compilation of the available administrative data provides the basis for analysis of Irish trends in adoption between 1999 and 2016. The changing landscape of adoption practices captured in this data is discussed against a general backdrop of changing family structures. This analysis provides an overview of key trends, which will be useful for policy makers, practitioners and researchers alike. It is anticipated that the analysis and the identification of future trends will enhance professional practice development and will also identify areas of future service that require examination and further research.

KEYWORDS:

• Ireland
• adoption
• domestic adoption
• intercountry adoption
• out-of-home care
• family structures
• foster care

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Angela Palmer is a PhD scholar at UCD in the area of young people’s experience of adoption from the Irish foster system and the policy making process. She has a master’s degree in political science and previously worked as a policy analyst, journalist and advocate. Angela is an adoptive mother of two children from foster care.

Dr Valerie O’Brien is a Lecturer at School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, UCD was a member of the Irish Adoption Board 1998–2010. She is currently researching the adoption of children from the Irish care system with Ms Angela Palmer; comparative Indian / Ireland adoption practices with Dr Sahana Mitra & the adoption of children to and from USA with Dr Joyce Maguire Pavao, Cambridge MA, USA.

Notes

1 Despite the improved level of data available over recent years, there still exist major information shortfalls within the system, which represent major obstacles to the analysis of trends.