Research Spotlight - Supporting adoptive families: why parents’ mental health matter

My name is Claire Agius, and I’m an Doctoral Researcher in child and parent mental health at Manchester Metropolitan University, specifically focusing on adoption. As an adoptive parent myself, I’m passionate about understanding adoptive families’ experiences. My research explores how parents who adopt children with trauma histories can be better supported by post-adoption services.

Did You Know?

➤ Many children from the care system have experienced abuse or neglect, making it difficult for them to trust adults.

➤ Trauma can significantly affect children’s emotional well-being and behaviour.

➤ When adopted, children often bring these trauma-related behaviours into their new families. It takes more than love to help them heal.

➤ Regularly managing these behaviours can cause adoptive parents considerable stress, anxiety, and even symptoms similar to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

➤ Adoptive parenting involves unique challenges, so families need tailored support..

What was the research looking at?

My research explores what it is really like for adoptive parents raising children who have experienced trauma before being adopted. I’m especially interested in how receiving, or not receiving, the right support affects parents’ mental health and wellbeing. I also explore social workers’ experiences of providing support within a constrained and often under-resourced system.

How did you conduct your research?

Simple drawing of a figure with hand on chin, appearing thoughtful. A green question mark hovers above. Minimalist design on white background.

➤ I interviewed adoptive parents, asking about their experiences with post-adoption support services and how this affected their mental health.

➤ I gathered insights from social workers through interviews and an anonymous online survey to understand their perspective and the challenges they face.

➤ Adoptive parents and professionals are working with me to pinpoint key moments when support was most needed and where improvements could be made to the adoption system.

What are your (initial) key findings? (from the adoptive families)

➤ Adoptive parents feel unsupported: many adoptive parents describe having to constantly fight for help, feeling isolated and misunderstood, and receiving little or no support until they reached a crisis point.

➤ Parents are not always believed and can face blame and shame: Many adoptive parents report being dismissed, doubted, or even blamed when they seek help for their child’s difficulties. This lack of belief can leave parents feeling invalidated and reluctant to ask for further support.

➤ Child-to-parent violence is a hidden but serious issue: Some adoptive parents experience verbal, emotional, and even physical aggression from their children—yet many feel unable to talk about it due to stigma and fear of judgment. Without recognition and intervention, families can become trapped in cycles of distress and isolation.

➤ Parents’ mental health is suffering: caring for traumatised children without adequate help leaves many parents feeling anxious, depressed, exhausted, and isolated. This strain often negatively impacts their relationships with partners, family, and friends.

➤ Schools can add to the stress: parents frequently report that schools misunderstand trauma-related behaviours, often responding with punishment rather than support. This misunderstanding increases stress for both parents and children.

➤ Adoptive parents want a voice: parents should be actively involved in designing support interventions so these services truly address their real-life challenges.

Your final word…

Adoptive parents should not have to struggle in silence or wait until they hit breaking point to get support. Services need to truly understand what this journey is like and work alongside parents to create the right help at the right time. When we support parents' mental health, we are also giving children, who have not had a good enough start in life, the best chance to thrive in a loving and stable family.

A blank white speech bubble with a black outline on a plain light background. No text or other features present.

Parenting can be challenging for everyone, but adoptive parents often face unique struggles. Have you ever supported a friend or family member through a tough parenting journey – adoptive or otherwise? What made the biggest difference for them?

Research Spotlight - Supporting adoptive families: why parents’ mental health matter

Did You Know?

What was the research looking at?

How did you conduct your research?

What are your (initial) key findings? (from the adoptive families)

Recommended reading

Recent Posts

Comments