Walking toward Adoption: A Critical Analysis of the PRI Program in Chile

AbstractEvidence shows that adoption is primarily a beneficial measure to ensure relational permanency for children who cannot return to their birth family. At the same time, it is one of the most radical experiences a child will ever have, requiring specialized preparation and support. This process is best supported by competent adoption professionals who understand the fundamental issues of adoption, such as loss, gain, identity, and significant relationships, and who promote the child’s agency and participation throughout the process. This paper provides a critical analysis of Chile’s PRI Program, created in 2008 to support and prepare children in residential and foster care for adoption. First, we present critical considerations and topics about the process of preparing children for adoption. Second, we explore PRI’s main objectives, components, and contributions. Finally, we discuss the challenges of this innovative program and present recommendations for its enhancement.Keywords: Adoptionchild-centered practicesidentitypreparationChile Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Additional informationFundingThe authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this article. This work was supported by the ANID/FONDECYT Project No.11200491