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Romanian adoption. The Manitoba experience
T C Benoit1, L J Jocelyn, D M Moddemann
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Romanian adoptees showed significant improvements in growth and development after placement in nurturing Manitoba families. However, some children experienced persistent behavioral issues, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- International Adoption
Background:
- Children adopted from Romania often face developmental, behavioral, and medical challenges due to early life adversity.
- Manitoba families adopted 22 Romanian children between 1990 and 1992, presenting an opportunity to study post-adoption outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the developmental, behavioral, and medical status of Romanian children adopted by families in Manitoba.
- To track changes in these parameters over time following adoption.
Main Methods:
- A prospective longitudinal study was conducted.
- Developmental, behavioral, and medical assessments were performed on 22 Romanian adoptees at initial evaluation and follow-up.
- Statistical analysis was used to evaluate changes and identify predictors of outcome.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited initial growth deficits (head circumference, weight, height) and medical complications (Hepatitis B, parasites, HIV, rickets).
- Significant improvements in height, weight, and all developmental domains (gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language) were observed at follow-up.
- Abnormal behavior was present in 55% initially, persisting in 36% at follow-up; early appropriate activity predicted normal cognitive outcome.
Conclusions:
- Placement in a nurturing environment leads to substantial improvements in growth and development for Romanian adoptees.
- The persistence of behavioral abnormalities in some children emphasizes the necessity for ongoing assessment and intervention.
- Early childhood adversity impacts long-term development, necessitating tailored support for adopted children.