Factors influencing adoptive parents willingness, to disclose to their children and family, that they have adopted a child (REN), in Nairobi Province

Abstract

In this study, we explored the factors that influence adoptive parents' willingness, to disclose that they have adopted despite being informed of the importance to do so as soon as their children are old enough to understand the significance of the situation. The study had four objectives, namely; (1) to establish whether there is any relationship between lack of biological children and an adoptive parent's willingness to disclose that they have an adopted a child (ren), (2) to assess the extent to which marital status influences ones willingness to disclose that they have adopted a child (ren) (3) to establish whether there is a relationship between the age of the child and an adoptive parent's willingness to disclose that they have adopted a child (ren), and (4) To establish whether there is a relationship between fear of stigmatization and rejection with an adoptive parent's willingness to disclose that they have adopted a child (ren) The study was based on an in-depth analysis of the above factors using descriptive research design, which entails fact finding, comparison and the interpretation of data.

The findings of the study revealed that most adoptive parents are in the age bracket of 25-50 years, with the highest number being those between the ages of 36 and 45 years. The findings also revealed that single adoptive parents are more likely to disclose to their children and families than the married couples .. Further, the findings have also revealed that the fear of stigma is largely responsible for the adoptive parents' unwillingness to disclose that they have adopted a child or children. The study has further established that majority of adoptive parents, prefer to adopt children below 5 years. The study concludes by recommending that in order to persuade adoptive parents to disclose to their children and families their adoptive status, experience sharing forums, regular counseling and education should be made available to adoptive parents. This will minimize the stigma (real or imagined) associated with adoption in the Kenyan society of today. In addition, the adoption certificate should be reviewed from its current state that clearly indicates adopted into the birth certificate and just give it a different serial number to differentiate it from the birth certificate.