Negotiating post-adoption contact

: Rights and recognition in the experiences of birth parents and lawyers in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This qualitative research project aims to understand the formulation, purpose and reality of post-adoption contact in Northern Ireland from the less explored perspective of birth parents. Following ethical approval from ORECNI, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five birth parents about their experiences and understanding of post-adoption contact. Northern Ireland is perceived as having a more open approach to post-adoption contact for children adopted from care than elsewhere in the UK, with more direct contact. An aspect of the process leading to contact takes place in court and as such the experiences of 12 lawyers has been incorporated to enrich the data on the formulation of arrangements.

Honneth’s theory of recognition was used as a lens to interpret the data; it argues that the self is formulated through intersubjective experiences in three spheres – intimate relations, rights and individual’s strengths recognised by the community. A particular emphasis on human rights from the second domain of recognition was used given the focus on the court process for making post-adoption contact arrangements. Using this theoretical framework to interpret the data, it is argued that some birth parents experience a ‘retained parental identity’. Recognition and misrecognition of that identity through contact practices, participation in decision-making and the impact of decision-making is explored with particular use of the European Convention on Human Rights. The insight from using this theoretical framework to interpret the under-represented experiences of birth parents and lawyers allows recommendations to be made for more sensitive and understanding practices.

Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2025.

Date of Award	Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Mandi MacDonald (Supervisor) & Thérèse Murphy (Supervisor)