Predicting Adoption Disruption

Abstract

An examination of older child adoptions in northern California from 1980 to 1984 showed a decreased disruption rate of 10.2 percent, largely attributable to the greater use of foster parent adoptions. Contrary to expectations, placements in which siblings were together were not exceptionally likely to disrupt. In keeping with previous research, transracial adoptions were no more likely to disrupt than other placements. As expected, older children and children with previous adoptive placements generally were at greatest risk. A classification of cases using five variables routinely available at placement correctly predicted 70 percent of adoption disruptions. Recommendations for service are tendered.