Describing the Post-Adoption Mental Health Support Needs of Adoptive Families: Implications for Occupational Therapy

Abstract Existing occupational therapy literature focuses on sensory and developmental needs for newly adopted children but has not considered the needs of adoptive families from a mental health or contextual perspective. This descriptive needs assessment was conducted using survey design that addressed mental health, disability, medical, and social environmental needs of 127 adoptive families with minor children. Results indicate that mental health concerns among adopted children and adolescents are common and complex, and that parental stress and need for post-adoption support is high. Occupational therapists working with adoptive families should consider family-centered care, assess mental health, and consider contextual factors.