Adaptive behavior in adopted children: Predictors from early risk, collaboration in relationships within the adoptive kinship network, and openness arrangements

This study examines potential links between early risk and problematic developmental outcomes in a sample of adopted children during middle childhood (mean age = 7.8 years) No direct relation was found between prenatal, perinatal, or preplacement risk factors and problematic socioemotional adjustment. When 12 high-risk children and their families were studied more intensively, collaboration in relationships within the adoptive kinship network did account for variations in socioemotional outcomes for these children. Collaboration in relationships refers to proactive cooperation among the child's adoptive and birth family members on behalf of the child's best interests. The usefulness of this concept for studying other types of complex family forms is suggested.