Extended reading:
Principles for the Arrangement of Adoption
I. Principles for Pre-adoption Preparation
1. Objectives of Adoption
(1) Adoption is a temporary arrangement that has a limited timeframe. The foster family shall be psychologically prepared with the basic understanding: Eventually the adopted children will return to their biological family.
(2) One of the major objectives of adoption is to help rebuild the biological families. The foster family shall help the adopted children to get in touch with their biological parents and improve the parent-child relationship between the adopted children and their biological parents.
2. Understand the background of the adopted childThe background information includes the reason leading to the adoption, health, habits, behavior problems, dietary considerations, and other need-to-know facts.
II. The relationship between the foster and the biological family
1. Social workers need to explain to the foster families the importance of the rebuilding of the biological families, and the significance of the adoption service. The social workers should also explain the importance of allowing the biological families to visit and meet the adopted children, and encourage such reunions.
2. Social workers should encourage foster families to accept and respect the biological families no matter their background.
3. The foster family has the obligation to report the meetings between the adopted children with their biological families.
4. The relationship between the foster and biological family is not monetary. Monetary relationship (such as gift money or 'Rotating Savings') is not allowed. In case money needs to be transferred between them, it should be conducted through an institution.
5. The foster family should avoid excessive emotional involvement so as not to hinder the relationship between the adopted child and biological parents.
6. The foster family should avoid criticizing the biological parents of the adopted child. Instead, the foster family should help the adopted child to identify the positive characteristics of the biological parents.
7. If the biological family causes annoyance to the foster family. The two parties should avoid conflicts so as not to influence the adopted child. In case such event occurs, the social workers should help them communicate and resolve the conflict.
Reference: 2015 Foster Family Handbook (By TFCF, Changhua)