Table of Contents List of Illustrations.................................................................................v
List of Tables ...................................................................................... vii
Executive Summary........................................................................... viii
Chapter 1 Introduction....................................................................1
Chapter 2 Remanufacturing Directory ...........................................5
Chapter 3 Survey of Remanufacturers..........................................11
Chapter 4 Estimates of Total Industry Size .................................41
Chapter 5 Remanufacturing Network...........................................47
Chapter 6 The Remanufacturing Industries Council ....................57
Chapter 7 Needs of the Industry...................................................61
Chapter 8 Recommendations........................................................63
Appendix A Sample Home Page ......................................................65
Intercounytu adoption
Chapter One: Introduction (3000)
My Intercountry Adoption Story
As an intercountry adoptee, it is important that others understand the intricate nature of
adoption experiences and practices, which are often oversimplified by the notion of intentional
altruism on the part of the adopting family. This oversimplification neglects and undermines
the complex involvement of socio-economic, cultural, judicial, and political factors that shape
the lives of adoptive families and, more significantly, the adoptee children involved. By delving
into these complexities, we can better understand the diverse realities, challenges and
opportunities that define adoption experiences.
By examining intercountry adoptees' placement within adopted families, their navigation of
diverse cultures and social contexts, and their broader journeys of belonging and identity
formation/ evolution, I seek to illustrate the multifaceted connections that shape their
experiences within their adopted families and socio-cultural surroundings. This exploration
reveals a wide range of experiences, each unique to the individual adoptee's journey through
and beyond the adoption process. This diversity of experiences underscores the ongoing
process of negotiating and re-negotiating identity and belonging and invites us to empathise
and
understand
the
complexities
of
intercountry
adoption.
.
Embarking on my personal narrative, my story doesn't begin as a vivid memory but rather
unfolds through a series of accounts and details shared by my adoptive parents about my origins
in a distant land on the opposite side of the globe. I was adopted at the age of one in the United
States of America. My birth mother was American, and my father was Mexican/Spanish. My
birth father died of a drug overdose before I turned one. I had two full-blooded older brothers,
one of whom was adopted by my biological father's side, and the other brother my mother
raised till he passed in a motor accident. In total, my mother had five kids, and all except for
one adopted out. I am not clear about my mother’s motivation to put all her children up for
adoption. Although we met and spent time together, she was never forthcoming and extremely
closed off. I assume that losing my father must have been traumatic, especially when combined
with other life stressors.
From the United States, my life at the age of two took a turn —a journey from one nation to
another, guided by the decisions of my birth family, who believed they were shaping a brighter
future and destiny for me. My life in New Zealand started at two years of age, of which I have
very little memory, apart from the adoption of my little sister, who was adopted at birth and
became an addition to our family when I was three years old.
I was raised in West Auckland in the 1980s when it was common for children to be seen and
not heard. My father was a senior lecturer at Auckland University, and my mother, who for
most of my life had ill health, was a homemaker. Despite the inherent challenges in raising a
child who had preexisting ties with their biological family, my adoptive parents endeavoured
to care for me to the best of their abilities. Throughout my formative years and into my early
adulthood, I grappled with behavioural issues, often being told I was “hyperactive and badbehaved”. I was informed at a young age that I was adopted, but I didn’t pay too much attention
to it until I realised being adopted meant “being given away”, which naturally played on the
psyche. I remember feeling different to my peers, out of place, an “outcast”, never truly
comprehending this enduring feeling that, in fact, followed me right into middle adulthood. It
impacted my self-concept, life choices and, ultimately, my sense of belonging.
My relationship with my adoptive mother was often strained, shaped by her own upbringing
and the unstable environments she endured. As a teenager, she became pregnant and was sent
away by her family to “secretly” give birth and put her child up for adoption, a common practice
in an era that harshly judged unwed mothers. Before meeting my adoptive father, she endured
a marriage marked by domestic violence and survived a bullet wound to the head. I suspect she
struggled with undiagnosed mental illness, as her love often felt conditional and was frequently
overshadowed by a lack of patience and kindness. Despite her best efforts with the resources
at her disposal, our interactions were frequently fraught with difficulties. Though I am grateful
for many moments of happiness, my childhood left deep emotional wounds.
The passing of my mother due to heart disease during my late teenage years, followed closely
by my father's demise from cancer, thrust me into profound grief. It dawned on me that I was
truly alone, devoid of guidance to navigate the unresolved queries of my adoption or to offer
solace during life's most challenging junctures. After the loss of my parents, it became painfully
obvious that my extended family didn’t have any intention to be a part of me or my adopted
sister's life. My sister was three years younger than me, and I felt a wilful duty to be there for
her. My late teens marked a point of crisis where alcoholism and severe mental health went
hand in hand. At this point, I journeyed on a personal quest to unravel my true identity—a
journey rife with obstacles and missteps yet pivotal in steering me towards self-discovery and
purpose.
In my thirties, I spent three years in America with my two children, hoping to create a better
life as promised by my biological mother, who had wanted us to move closer for some time.
We moved with two goals: to provide our children with a brighter future while building a
relationship with my mother, which I had long wanted. Having often watched TV shows where
adoptees were joyfully reunited with their families, I had imagined similar scenarios for myself.
Although we thrived financially, it soon became clear that we did not fit into my mother’s
lifestyle, and our relationship did not develop as I hoped. I was to nurse a new wound as we
returned to the familiarity of New Zealand. After spending some time working on inner
healing, I decided to close that chapter of my life and move forward. Determined to fulfil my
father’s dying wish for me to attend University and pursue an education, I left behind a decadelong career in the dental industry. Embracing this new journey with two small children, I found
it a transformative phase in my life. My gradual achievement in University enhanced my selfconcept, allowing me to focus on something other than fitting in or seeking belonging.
On reaching postgraduate study and having the opportunity to write a thesis, I eagerly chose to
research intercountry adoption. My goals were to understand how intercountry adoption
impacted others in a similar position and to explore the factors contributing to a healthy sense
of identity. At the time, I had not met any other adoptees, so I was still in the dark about many
aspects of my experience. The challenges I faced in University played a crucial role in
overcoming my deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, marking the beginning of a rewarding and
humbling chapter in life.
My struggle with identity, belonging, and mental health led me to think deeply about healing
and how other intercountry adoptees' identities were impacted, if at all. Previously hesitant to
discuss my adoption due to fear of misunderstandings, stigma, and negative reactions, my
thesis became a gateway to connect with fellow adoptees. It offered a profound sense of
validation and belonging. For the first time, I felt a kinship with a community that truly
comprehended my journey. This thesis is an academic endeavour and a crucial chapter in my
personal story. It explores a shared odyssey with fellow international adoptees, affirming the
worth of our collective experiences.
While my life story may appear to emphasise uncertainties surrounding my identity, it's
important to clarify that my aim in sharing my narrative isn't to cast a negative light on adoption
as a whole. My reflections aren't geared towards swaying readers towards a stark rejection of
adoption. Instead, I seek to provide context for delving into the intricate dynamics of
international adoption and its profound connections to identity formation and the pursuit of
belonging.
Chapter 3
Review of Literature / Theoretical Underpinnings
Introduction
Key Framing Concepts
Identity
Belonging
Identity and Belonging in Intercountry Adoptees
Conclusion
I
First chapter in “findings”.
The Intercountry Adoption Experience
The following narratives clearly provide a broad view of the complexities between the adoptive
cultural environment, biological heritage, personal experience in shaping identity, and ongoing
interaction. The varying degrees of support from adoptive families significantly influence the
adoptees' adjustment, identity development, and overall well-being. Early experiences, whether
cultural disconnection or familial support, can have long-lasting effects on identity perception
and social integration for some, as demonstrated in the participants' lived experiences.
According to Gibbs (2010), the experiences of intercountry adoptees raised in New Zealand
are multifaceted, influenced by factors such as age at adoption, cultural background, family
dynamics, and individual psychological resilience. In the following section, I feel privileged to
share the participants' responses to their experiences as intercountry adoptees born overseas
and raised in New Zealand. These personal accounts provide a profound and intimate look into
the adoptees' perceptions, offering readers firsthand evidence of the complexities and nuanced
nature of their lived realities.
Alex
Alex's intercountry adoption experience began when he was two years old and arrived in New
Zealand from the northern region of Russia. Along with his brother, who was adopted from the
same orphanage, Alex was raised in Whangarei by adoptive parents, whom he described as
“transparent” about his origins. They often showed him photos from his birthplace, helping
him form a connection to his past as he grew up. Despite this openness, being so young, Alex
initially had no memories or understanding of Russia. "I came here when I was two years old,
and I don't recall any memories of where I came from in Russia," he reflects. To him,
everything in New Zealand seemed normal. He only began to grapple with his background and
identity as he grew older.
As Alex entered school, he began to learn more about his Russian heritage, a journey prompted
by questions about his name. "People would always ask me, where's your name come from?
And then I really didn't have much to say," he recalls. His first name, Sasha, often sparked
curiosity among his peers, making him more aware of his unique background. He started to
understand that he was different, not just because of his name, but because of his origins from
"the other side of the world."
Despite these realisations, Alex felt a sense of normalcy and comfort in his life in New Zealand.
He describes his school experience as "Pretty comfortable and pretty normal," a testament to
his adaptability and, as he notes, “the supportive environment his parents created”. This blend
of curiosity about his roots and the stability provided by his adoptive family shaped his
perception of identity and belonging. Alex's story highlights the gradual process of selfdiscovery that many intercountry adoptees undergo. His early years were marked by a blend of
ignorance and innocence regarding his origins, evolving into a more conscious understanding
of his cultural background as he matured.
Maria
Maria's experience with intercountry adoption is marked by a strong sense of acceptance and
openness from her adoptive family. Despite the inherent differences in her background, Maria
felt a deep connection and security within her adoptive family. Reflecting on her childhood,
Maria notes, "I've had a really good overall experience. I suppose, in some senses, I even felt
like I was not even adopted." This sentiment underscores the seamless integration she felt
within her family despite being both interracial and international. Her adoptive parents, Pakeha
(New Zealand European), with brown hair and blue eyes, presented a visible contrast to Maria's
appearance, yet this did not hinder her sense of belonging.
One of the most significant aspects of Maria's experience was the frequent relocation due to
her father's profession as a principal. "We moved a lot all around New Zealand... Hawks Bay,
Palmerston North, Wanganui, Auckland, and all around," she recounts. This constant
movement exposed Maria to various communities, although, at that time, New Zealand's
cultural landscape was less diverse than it is today. "There were very few other cultures, I guess
you could say, probably about 30 years ago. It was kind of like just Māori or Pakeha. I didn't
really fit into either of those," she explains. This sense of not fitting into the predominant
cultural groups of Māori or Pakeha highlighted her unique position as an adoptee from Ecuador.
Maria's adoptive family included five adopted children, two of whom were from Ecuador but
not biologically related. This shared but distinct background made them stand out, yet Maria's
parents, particularly her mother, embraced their cultural heritage. Her mother (both parents),
who had lived in Ecuador and spoke Spanish fluently, encouraged Maria and her siblings to be
proud of their roots. "My mom went to high school there so that she could speak Spanish
fluently. And she knew the cultural background of Ecuador better than I did by any means. She
wanted me to speak Spanish. She embraced all those elements," Maria shares.
Maria's upbringing was characterised by transparency and honesty. Her parents were always
open about her adoption, which fostered a sense of security and trust. "It's been very open and
very honest from day one. And I think for me, it didn't leave anything hidden," she reflects.
This openness prevented any feelings of alienation or shock from sudden revelations about her
past, which she attributes to an overall positive adoption experience.
Mike
As an older adoptee from Hong Kong, Mike's intercountry adoption experience was shaped by
the significant cultural, linguistic, and emotional shifts he encountered. Adopted at age six, “I
already had a deeply entrenched sense of identity, belonging, and familiarity with my
surroundings and language in Hong Kong”, he notes. This foundation was abruptly disrupted
when he was interracially adopted by a Pakeha (European New Zealander) couple and brought
to New Zealand.
My best memories were of my first five years in the orphanage in Hong Kong, which were the
happiest years of my early life. This period was marked by a sense of stability and community
that he would later long for. “The transition to New Zealand caused me to lose much of my
sense of identity and belonging,” he said. The new environment, coupled with the loss of his
native language, created a profound disorientation and alienation. His adoptive parents, despite
their best intentions, were unable to understand the trauma this upheaval caused him. This gap
in understanding and the lack of cultural continuity led to behavioural problems, such as
stealing and lying, as he struggled to cope with his new reality.
Unfortunately, many people interpreted these behaviours as signs of a "bad kid" rather than as
manifestations of deep-seated psychological distress. He was often told that “I didn't need to
act out because my adoptive family was providing for my needs and that I should just be
grateful”. This misunderstanding, he felt, overlooked the complex emotional and psychological
factors at play. He found special occasions, like birthdays and Christmas, were particularly
challenging. “I found myself crying without understanding why, indicating unresolved grief
and a longing for the familiarity and security of my previous life”.
Mike attributes the lack of education about the behavioural issues experienced by older
adoptees to compounding the problem. “Instead of receiving support and understanding, I was
often labelled naughty”. Mike felt that his adoptive parents were not aware of his trauma and
sometimes resorted to discipline methods that were foreign and harsh compared to his
experiences in the orphanage. Mike noted, “In Hong Kong, I was never physically or
emotionally abused. However, in New Zealand, I encountered yelling and physical discipline”,
which he felt contributed to his heightened sense of fear, misunderstanding and isolation. As
he describes, the cumulative effect of these challenges was “A whole heap of issues" that
complicated his adjustment and integration into his new family and environment.
Santiago
Santiago's adoption story is compelling. Narrating Santiago's experiences provides a rich
understanding of the complexities and rewards adoption can bring. Santiago describes his
experience as an international adoptee as largely positive. Adopted from Ecuador, his
connection to his adoptive family began when his birth mother sent a letter to the New Zealand
couple who had already adopted his older sister. The letter mentioned a boy in the Andes
Mountains waiting to be adopted, leading to Santiago's adoption at the age of four. "My birth
mum already had three sons... she couldn't afford to feed or clothe me," Santiago explains,
highlighting the economic hardships that prompted his adoption.
Upon moving to New Zealand, Santiago began to form an understanding of family and
relationships. "It was really lovely, actually, a really great place to grow up," he recalls.
However, their frequent relocations due to his father's career presented challenges. Moving
around was particularly disruptive. "I found that belonging in that space was really difficult for
me," he notes, as the small, rural town they moved to lacked ethnic diversity, making it hard
for him to fit in with either European or Māori children.
Despite challenges, Santiago's relationship with his adoptive family provided a strong
foundation of support. "I could turn inward to the family, where I found much support, love,
and care," he reflects. Moving to Auckland's North Shore marked a turning point, with a diverse
environment that helped him develop meaningful friendships. "Coming to Auckland was a
breath of fresh air," he recalls, coinciding with his deeper exploration of identity during high
school, where he faced questions about his closed adoption.
Transitioning to boarding school was particularly challenging, causing feelings of isolation that
impacted his academic performance. Yet, his adoptive parents' support remained steadfast.
After struggling academically in high school, he attended Teachers Training College in
Palmerston North. "My parents were incredibly supportive, helping financially and with social
support," Santiago notes.
Throughout his career as a teacher, Santiago discovered his passion for helping young people
find their place in the world. This eventually led him to pursue a career in counselling and a
postgraduate diploma in counselling, where he excelled academically for the first time. "I
started getting A's... that was quite exciting!" he notes. Santiago's success in his postgraduate
studies opened the door to further academic achievements, including a master's degree and
eventually a PhD. His parents' continued support was instrumental in these accomplishments.
"They said, 'Just go for it,'" he remembers, reflecting on their pride and encouragement.
Santiago's academic journey culminated in a first-class honours master's degree and a
scholarship offer for a PhD, a path he had never imagined for himself.
Today, Santiago is in his ninth year of his PhD and works in the counselling department at a
well-known University. "I started my application by talking about adoption," he says,
emphasising the profound impact of his adoption on his life and career. The fact that I was
adopted from poverty is the most significantly influential thing in my life. It has changed
everything," he concludes. His journey reflects the challenges and the immense growth and
fulfilment he attributes to intercountry adoption.
JoJo
JoJo's intercountry adoption story begins in Hong Kong, where she was born and lived until
age five. Her journey to New Zealand was shrouded in confusion and uncertainty. "I was taken
via family; my grandma transported me to New Zealand under the pretence I was going on
holiday," she recalls. The concept of time was blurry for a young child, but she estimates that
a few months after arriving, her grandmother disappeared, leaving her with extended relatives
who were strangers to her.
This period of instability continued for several years as JoJo lived on a student visa. "I was on
a student visa for about five or so years till I was formally adopted because my biological father
had objected," she explains. It wasn't until her father's death that her relatives could proceed
with the adoption process. Raised in a mixed family—a Chinese woman and a British man—
JoJo faced additional cultural and linguistic challenges. "Even though the guy who adopted me
is Caucasian (British), he knew my language fluently, but they still didn't speak it," she notes,
highlighting the disconnect between his cultural background and his adoptive family's
practices.
Despite growing up speaking English, JoJo felt a persistent sense of disconnection due to the
lack of cultural reinforcement at home. "They would never even speak my language, my mother
tongue, growing up, even despite what is said in OT (Oranga Tamariki) files. It noted they
understand the culture, bla bla bla…," she mentions, indicating a gap between the documented
understanding of her cultural needs and the reality of her upbringing. JoJo was formally
adopted through the family court at the age of ten, which marked a significant transition in her
life.
JoJo vividly remembers her arrival in New Zealand and the following experiences. "I remember
everything from the day I arrived in New Zealand," she says, contrasting with the forgetfulness
of those around her. As she grew older, she often defended the accuracy of her memories. "I
grew up thinking everyone remembered everything about my childhood, and then, as an adult,
people were like, 'Are you making this up?' And I'm like, 'No! You guys don't remember?'"
Marishka
Marishka's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of children navigating the
profound changes brought by intercountry adoption. Marishka was put in an orphanage in Peskov,
Russia, when she was a baby. She is one of ten kids. When she was four and a half, she was adopted.
Marishka's early memories of the adoption process are vivid yet fragmented. "I remember being
told at the orphanage that I had to behave and that these lovely people would take me out for
some ice cream," she recalls. The confusion and novelty of the situation are apparent as she
recounts being given a cup of tea and a bowl of lollies, which were entirely new to her. The
experience was marked by moments such as being redressed by the adoptive family and having
her hair, previously shaven, styled differently.
One particular memory involves a teddy bear. "They tried to give me this teddy bear, but I
didn't want it because we didn't have possessions," Marishka shares. Instead, she cherished a
cool backpack with little teddy bears on it. This journey included collecting her adoptive
brother from another orphanage. She left with only a cross pendant symbolising her faith and
first name, though sadly, she lost the pendant on the way to Thailand.
Marishka's early years in New Zealand were filled with outdoor play and a sense of wonder.
However, as she and her brother grew older, challenges emerged. Her adoptive brother was
diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome, impacting his cognitive abilities. "He looks
completely normal, but he has the mind and intellect of maybe a twelve-year-old," Marishka
notes. "He struggles with managing money and has been in and out of prison. He has repeatedly
stolen from me and our family, leading us to trespass him from our property”. Due to his
complications, her brother is a heavy drinker and has fallen in with the wrong crowd. As a
result, the relationship remains fragmented. Despite these challenges, Marishka's empathy and
desire for family unity persist. She hoped to include her brother in family gatherings, like
Christmas but faced resistance from her family. "I still feel that it is important for him to be
part of the family," she asserts, highlighting her enduring connection and care for her brother
despite the complexities of their relationship.
Codes from each transcript

Adopted at 2 years old

Very supportive parents who were supportive in his origins

Connected with biological parents later in life.

RELATIONSHIP WITH ADOPTIVE FAMILY- part 2, of first chapter in findings
This section explores the complex dynamics of family relationships in intercountry adoption,
shedding light on the varied experiences of adoptees. The following analysis is organised into
common themes that emerged when exploring family relationships: 'Positive Experiences and
Supportive Relationships,' 'Challenges and Adverse Experiences,' 'Complex Family
Dynamics,' and 'Cultural Integration and Identity Formation. A mixed blend of emotions,
cultural integration, and individual journeys exist within the relationships between adoptees
and their adoptive families.
Adoption studies often delve into the motivations of prospective parents, parental practices,
discussions around adoption within families, and cultural education to equip children for
potential prejudices, especially in transracial or international adoption scenarios (Brodzinsky
& Pinderhughes, 2002). The varied and detailed stories the cohort shares offer a glimpse into
the dynamics of family life, emphasising the tangible effects of family interactions on adoptees'
self-concept, feelings of inclusion, and personal development. By giving voice to the
experiences, this analysis aims to offer an understanding of how adoptive families influence
the lives of adoptees.
Positive Experiences and Supportive Relationships
Alex, Maria’s, and Santiago’s experiences exemplify the positive impact that a supportive and
understanding adoptive family can have. Alex describes his relationship with his adoptive
family as strong and supportive, emphasising the importance of their openness and honesty
about his adoption. This transparency allowed Alex to feel comfortable and secure within his
family, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Similarly, Maria and Santiago highlight
how their parents embraced their cultural background and celebrated their differences,
reinforcing a positive adoption narrative from an early age. These accounts underscore the
significance of open communication and cultural acknowledgment in nurturing a positive
familial relationship. Open adoption practices, which include the sharing of birth information
and the adoptee’s origins, have been shown to contribute to healthier psychological outcomes
and a stronger sense of identity (Grotevant et al., 2008).
Challenges and Adverse Experiences
Sharply contrasting with the positive experiences of Alex and Maria, Mike and JoJo's accounts
highlight the challenges and adverse conditions some adoptees face. Mike's narrative reveals a
tumultuous relationship characterised by abuse and neglect. His adoptive parents' struggles
with alcoholism and domestic violence created a toxic environment that severely impacted his
upbringing. Allan V. Horwitz et al. (2001) investigated the long-term mental health outcomes
of adults who experienced childhood abuse and neglect. The findings suggest that while
childhood abuse and neglect are associated with adverse mental health outcomes, the impact is
significantly influenced by subsequent life stressors, indicating the importance of considering
the broader socio-economic and relational context in which childhood victimisation occurs.
Brodzinsky and Pinderhughes (2002) argue that adoption-related loss, even when relatively
mild, can impact an adoptee's mental health. They note that the adoptee's thoughts, feelings,
and any associated confusion or distress may be overlooked or minimised. This could indicate
a lack of awareness on the part of the parents, or in some cases, the child may avoid expressing
their feelings to avoid hurting their adoptive parents.
Despite these challenges, Mike demonstrates resilience by pursuing a career in social work and
attempting to mend his relationship with his adoptive father. JoJo's experience is similarly
fraught with difficulties. Deceived into a new family environment and stripped of her linguistic
and cultural identity, JoJo's relationship with her adoptive family was marked by abuse and a
profound sense of displacement.
Complex Family Dynamics
Santiago and Marishka's experiences illustrate the complexity of family dynamics in adoptive
households. Santiago reflects on his family's diverse cultural and individual differences, noting
how his adoptive parents valued independence and self-sufficiency. This approach fostered a
strong sense of responsibility and self-awareness in Santiago. He appreciated his parents'
reflective nature, who discussed and explained disciplinary actions, ensuring he understood
their reasons. This method of parenting cultivated a sense of fairness and understanding in
Santiago.
Mike's narrative on his adoption and upbringing elucidates the complexities and challenges
faced by children in dysfunctional adoptive families. His story highlights several critical issues,
such as inadequate background checks and follow-up protocols in adoption processes, which
can lead to placements in abusive environments. Mike's adoptive family dynamics were marred
by his father's alcoholism and domestic violence and a lack of affection and acceptance from
his adoptive mother, who never wanted to adopt him. His feelings of being the "black sheep"
within the family exacerbated his sense of alienation, compounded by the preference shown to
other foster children. This sense of isolation was further deepened by his cultural and racial
dislocation, having moved from Hong Kong to New Zealand at a young age, where he faced
racism both in school and at home.
The psychological impact of such environments is profound, as evidenced by Mike's struggle
with identity and belonging. Despite these adversities, Mike's journey towards maturity
involved mending relationships with his adoptive father and pursuing a career in social work,
indicating a resilience and drive to make a positive impact. His story underscores the necessity
for rigorous adoption protocols and ongoing support for adoptive families to prevent such
detrimental outcomes. Research indicates that children in abusive adoptive homes are at higher
risk for mental health issues and identity struggles (Fisher, 2015; Palacios & Brodzinsky,
2010). Furthermore, the role of cultural identity and the impact of transracial adoption on a
child's sense of belonging and self-worth is a critical area for further study (Lee, 2003.) Mike's
story demands a closer look at the procedures and broader implications of the adoption process
while emphasising the importance of both psychological and cultural integration for adoptees.
Santiago also highlights the importance of cultural awareness and avoiding stereotypical
gender roles. His mother, having left home at a young age and valuing independence, instilled
these values in Santiago by teaching him essential life skills such as cooking and cleaning. As
he puts it, this approach equipped him with practical skills and “countered the potentially
chauvinistic attitudes prevalent in Ecuadorian culture”. Santiago's narrative underscores the
importance of thoughtful and inclusive parenting in fostering well-rounded individuals.
Marishka, on the other hand, describes a more fragmented family structure. Her parents'
separation shortly after her adoption led to significant friction and a challenging environment.
Frequent disagreements and a lack of mutual understanding characterise her relationship with
her mother. In contrast, her relationship with her father, who became largely absent after the
separation, remained strained due to his multiple remarriages and the resulting family conflicts.
According to Grotevant et al. (2007), family dynamics, including sibling relationships and
parental involvement, play a crucial role in shaping adoptees' experiences and psychological
outcomes.
Marishka also touches on her brother's (also adopted) struggles with foetal alcohol syndrome,
which significantly impacted their family dynamics. His behavioural issues and repeated
incarcerations created ongoing stress for the family, leading to their decision to distance
themselves from him. Despite these challenges, Marishka desires to maintain familial
connections, highlighting the complexities and emotional intricacies inherent in adoptive
family relationships.
Cultural Integration and Identity Formation
A recurring theme in the narratives is the role of cultural integration and its impact on identity
formation. Due to the unique composition of adoptees and their families, these children
undergo distinct childhood experiences concerning race and culture. As a result, their processes
of forming racial and cultural identities differ from those of children raised in racially and
culturally uniform families (Baden & Steward, 2000).
Alex, Santiago, and Maria's parents actively encouraged them to explore and embrace their
cultural roots, and as they stated, “doing so played a crucial role in their identity development”.
Alex's parents supported his efforts to connect with his birth family and understand his heritage.
At the same time, Maria felt that her adoptive mother’s deep understanding of Ecuadorian
culture ensured that Maria felt proud of her origins. Santiago stated, “My parents taught me to
appreciate and value diversity and cultural differences”.
Alex emphasises the importance of understanding one's roots and how his parents' support in
this regard helped him form a comprehensive identity. This encouragement to explore his
cultural background allowed him to integrate his heritage into his sense of self, fostering a
balanced and enriched personal identity. Studies have shown that parental support in exploring
cultural heritage can significantly enhance an individual's identity development and
psychological well-being (Phinney, 1990). Maria's narrative similarly highlights the positive
impact of cultural integration. Her mother's proactive approach to embracing Ecuadorian
culture, including speaking Spanish and celebrating cultural traditions, instilled a sense of pride
and belonging in Maria. This openness and encouragement helped Maria navigate her identity
as an adoptee and embrace her unique background.
In contrast, JoJo's experience highlights the negative consequences of cultural disconnection.
The abrupt transition to an English-speaking environment and the loss of her native language
and cultural practices contributed to her feelings of alienation and trauma. This cultural
dislocation was compounded by the abusive and neglectful environment in her adoptive family,
exacerbating her sense of displacement and identity confusion. JoJo's narrative underscores the
critical importance of cultural continuity in adoption practices. The lack of support for
maintaining her cultural heritage not only deprived her of a connection to her roots but also
intensified her feelings of isolation and disorientation.
Conclusion
The narratives provided by Alex, Maria, Mike, Santiago, JoJo, and Marishka offer profound
insights into the diverse experiences of adoptees with their adoptive families (Smith & Johnson,
2018). These accounts reveal the importance of open communication, cultural integration, and
supportive family dynamics in fostering positive outcomes for adoptees (Brodzinsky &
Pinderhughes, 2002). Conversely, they highlight the significant challenges and adverse
conditions that can arise without these supportive elements (Smith & Johnson, 2018). If this
happens, the ability of the child to cope with adoption-related grief may be compromised. This
analysis underscores the need for adoptive parents to prioritise transparency, cultural
acknowledgment, and emotional support to ensure adoptees' healthy development and wellbeing while mitigating feelings of loss and enhancing self-esteem (Brodzinsky &
Pinderhughes, 2002).
Brodzinsky, D. M., & Pinderhughes, E. E. (2002). Parenting and child development in
adoptive families: Does parental motivation matter? In J. G. McWhirter, B. J. Birch, J. K.
McWhirter, & E. E. Pinderhughes (Eds.), Reclaiming children and youth (Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.
97–101). Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2018). The impact of family dynamics on adoptees' well-being.
Adoption Quarterly, 21(3), 187–203.
Gibbs, A. (2010). Parenting adopted children and supporting adoptive parents: Messages
from research. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 22(2), 44–52.
Grotevant, H. D., Wrobel, G. M., Von Korff, L., Skinner, B., Newell, J., Friese, S., &
McRoy, R. G. (2007). Many faces of openness in adoption: Perspectives of adopted
adolescents and their parents. Adoption Quarterly, 10(3-4), 79-101.
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Grotevant, H. D., & McRoy, R. G. (1998). "Openness in Adoption: Exploring Family
Connections." This text explores the dynamics of adoptive families, including how children
may withhold their true feelings to protect their adoptive parents' emotions.