Between 1990 and 2006, more than 76,000 children born in Eastern Europe were adopted into American families. Almost two-thirds of these children came from Russia. And in contrast to children adopted from Korea, China, Central America, and South America, most of the Russian children were not infants, but between one and four years old. This volume addresses adoption policies and practices as they pertain to adopted children from Eastern Europe, children who have histories of “pre-adoption adversity.” Drawing on her decade-long experience as an adoptive parent of siblings born in Russia and her expertise as an applied sociologist, Josephine Ruggiero examines the central issues involved in international adoptions, focusing on older children as well as siblings, and suggesting needed changes in policy and practice.

Regardless of whether children are adopted domestically or internationally, age is a significant factor in their ability to adjust to and function well in their new families. Only about three in ten Russian adoptees joined their new families as infants. Pre-adoption experiences are also significant factors in a child’s ability to adjust and function well in a new family. Countries differ in risk factors that may figure into the likelihood of adoptees adapting to life in a new family. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, serious medical conditions, emotional problems, behavioral problems, attachment issues, learning disabilities, and exposure to family violence must be considered as potential risk factors in adoptions. Pre-adoption adversity is less likely when children come from birth families that are economically poor but have bonded with them.

At a time when adoption has finally “come out of the closet” and the definition of the family is changing dramatically, Eastern European Adoption takes a much-needed look at current adoption policies and practices and how well they do or do not work. Ruggiero draws on the literature on older-child and sibling adoption, and data from a questionnaire survey she designed and conducted with 121 adoptive parents. Ruggiero’s examples from real adoptive families give a human face to the issues, needs, and strategies she discusses.

Josephine A. Ruggiero, professor of sociology at Providence College, is an applied sociologist, international adoption researcher, and the mother of three non-infant siblings she and her husband adopted from Russia in 1994.

“Eastern European children who are adopted by Americans often have pre-adoption adversities like trauma and attachment disorder. The adoptive parents of such children are not informed, or prepared, to take on these challenges. Eastern European Adoption is really a handbook for those parents about what to expect and prepare for financially, emotionally and socially. I highly recommend her book.”
--Donna Montalbano, Speaking of Adoption radio host

"Ruggiero provides an illuminating and candid portrait and appraisal of Americans' adoption of children from Eastern Europe, especially Russia, since 1990. Through a skillful combination of quantitative survey data and qualitative "case narratives" that she has gathered from a sample of adoptive parents, she honestly describes the challenges and problems, as well as the substantial rewards, that are often involved in such adoptions.
--Allen Fisher, Stead Family Professor of Sociology, Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

"A treasure trove of useful advice and information for parents assuming the sometimes daunting challenges linked with older adoptions. Yet , this is also a work aimed at social service professionals and child rights advocates, aimed at improving current practices in social services."
--William Feigelman, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, Nassau Community College

"A thorough, insightful look at Eastern European orphans and their adoptive families. Inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, Ms. Ruggiero offers her expertise to point the way towards a more humane system. Ms. Ruggiero brings personal experience and professional expertise to her examination of Eastern European Adoption. This combination leads to clear, finely tuned ideas for change. A terrific read for anyone who cares about the human condition and how families are made. Research data and personal stories are seamlessly woven together to create a clear understanding of how to improve Eastern European adoption for all involved."
--Randi Barrow, Adoption Attorney and Author of 'Somebody's Child.'