PERSPECTIVAS MATERNAS DA ADOÇÃO DE CRIANÇAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA: ESTUDO DE CASOS MÚLTIPLOS

Abstract

Adoption is one of the legal possibilities for ensuring the right of children and adolescents to family life, but the profile indicated by applicants does not usually include children and adolescents with disabilities, making it difficult to realize this right. Although the possibilities of family formation for this public have increased, such as female singleparent adoption, the literature is still limited. In view of this, the general aim of this study was to analyze mothers' perspectives on the process of adopting children with disabilities by carrying out a multiple case study. The participants were two single mothers aged 55 and 42, with postgraduate degrees and living in a city in the northeast of Brazil. They answered an interview which was recorded and transcribed in full. The data was analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. The results showed that the desire for motherhood was the main reason for adopting children. As for the challenges related to the adoption process, the mothers said they were living with the child, the psychological problems arising during the child's development and contextual factors, such as prejudice. As coping strategies, they reported the importance of the support network of friends and family, participation in the adoption support group and involvement with professionals in caring for their child. Finally, they stated that they felt fulfilled as mothers through adoption. The conclusion is that adopting children with disabilities is possible, regardless of marital status, and provides satisfaction when done consciously, even in the face of adversity. The results found broaden the discussion on the subject, to demystify prejudices and allow reflections that promote the growth of adoptions of children and adolescents with disabilities.