Bloem, M. ([email protected]). 2006/10/01. Cross Racial Adoption Statistics. Email to S Finlay ([email protected]).
Accessed 2006/10/01)
EXPERTS
Schoeman, J. Director, Cotlands. 2006. Interview by researcher. (Transcript). 17 January. Illovo. Wilson, P. Supervisor of the adoption centre, Johannesburg Child Welfare. 2006. Interview by researcher. (Transcript). 20 January. Illovo.
99 APPENDIX I
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT
Dear Parents,
I would like to once again extend a thank you to those of you who have agreed to give of your time to assist me with my masters thesis on cross racial adoption.
I include all the details for the research process in this letter for your records and hope that it will give you a very clear indiaction of the proceedings for the sessions. If there are any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any point.
I confirm that the schedule for the groups remains as was originally indicated in my earlier correspondence in the general invitation.
GROUP NUMBER DATE DAY TIME
1. 8 Single parents 08 July Saturday 10H00
2 4 Same-sex couples 08 July Saturday 13H30
3. 4 Heterosexual couples 09 July Sunday 10H30
I have allocated a maximum of 2.5 hours for each group as I believe that this should be sufficient time for us to cover the ground we need to.
I am holding the focus groups at a research venue called JDI I have chosen this venue for a number of reasons.
• The venue will offer us a quiet, contained and neutral space in whcih to conduct the research • I am able to record the focus groups for analysis purposes with professional recording
equipment because it is not possible for me to take comprehensive notes during our discussions.
• There is ample secure parking
• While groups are being recorded this material may only be used for my analysis purposes and may not be shown to any other persons without your written consent
• I may not disclose any respondent’s name or personal details in my thesis
• All information shared in the groups is treated as confidential and will not be discussed with other persons in a manner that will impinge on your right to confidentiality
• A collegaue will be present to capture field notes, and this colleague is bound by the same code of ethics as the researcher
• If any participant feels that the process of partkaing in the focus groups raises issues or feelings for them that they feel they will require professional assistance, the primary resercher I will ensure that a list of qulaified health professionals is made available.
• All respondents may have accss to the final thesis that is submitted.
The focus groups are going to focus on your experieces of having cross racailly adopted in terms of the challenges you have faced, your fears, worries and concerns, if any, for the future, your dreams, hopes and wishes for how you would like to manage information sharing and support for your children and for yourself now and in the future. I am of the opinion that each parent who attends will have their own value and insight to add to the bigger picture, and I would like to therfore encourage every participant to feel comfortable to take the opoortunity to tell their story.
It would be ideal if you, as a parent, could have limited distractions during the course of the focus group. However, I am fully aware that making arrangements for somone to be with your children on the weekend may be a challenge. If you provide me with fair warning I will be glad to make the necesaary arrangements to ensure that your children can be watched over for the duration of the session.
101 APPENDIX II
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
• In the introduction the researcher should explain the purpose of the discussion to respondents as it was outlined in the letter mailed to them.
• Remind respondents of the researcher’s ethical obligations.
• Remind respondents that the focus groups are being video and audio recorded to allow a final opportunity for any concerns or objections to be raised.
• Introduce the colleague who is capturing filed notes and clarify the colleague’s role. • Ask respondents to switch off their cellular phones.
• Remind parents that because the session is being recorded, it is necessary to speak loudly and clearly and not to speak over one another.
• Encourage respondents to help themselves to refreshments. • Remind respondents that there are no incorrect responses.
PARENTS TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES:
• Family composition. • Number of children. • Ages of children.
• How old children were when adopted.
Parents are asked to start by telling their story of adoption. Each parent is given a chance. This initial storytelling is unstructured to allow for challenges to emerge spontaneously. The remainder of this document should be used to guide the discussion if parents do not spontaneously share their experiences and challenges about different aspects of adoption
THE DECISION TO ADOPT
In this section the researcher will aim to establish what the decision to adopt entailed for parents and what challenges, if any, they faced during this process.
• When was the decision made. • How was the decision made.
• Which organisations were approached. • What were reactions from friends and family.
• What were the challenges during this decision making process.
THE PROCESS OF ADOPTING
In this section the researcher wants to establish what challenges, if any, parents experienced during the adoption process.
• Explore fears and concerns. • Levels of support.
• Resistance from friends and family. • Issues with the screening process.
THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD
This section will aim to explore if there was an initial adjustment period, and if so what were the challenges that arose.
• Was there an initial adjustment period.
• If respondents feel there was an initial adjustment period what, if anything, made this period easier and what, if anything, made this period more difficult.
• What made this period most challenging.
• Who offered the greatest support during this period.
Explore challenges from adoption agency, family, friends, schools, society and any other identified variables.
COMMUNICATION
103
• Explore if respondents have discussed adoption with their children. • How has topic been addressed.
• What questions have children raised.
• Which questions or areas of discussion have respondents found the most difficult to address. • What resources might be useful in helping respondents tackle the topic of adoption with their
children.
PROJECTIVE SECTION
• If you knew someone who was considering cross racial adoption and they asked your opinion on the matter, what would you say.
• If you could write a short letter to your child about your wishes and hopes for their future what would your letter say.
• If there is any one person or group of people who you wish you could give a message to regarding your decision to cross racially adopt who would this person or people be and what would you say to them.