Exploring the experience of social workers in the field during the preparation of prospective adoptive parents
Published:
Apr 19, 2026
Keywords:
adoption assessment preparation adoptive parents social workers
Abstract
Adoption, as a potentially reparative experience, requires suitably prepared adoptive parents who are capable of responding to the complex psychosocial challenges of and for the adoptive family context. The impetus for this qualitative study emerged from Law 4538/2018, which mandated the training of prospective adoptive parents, alongside the European strategy that promotes family-based care for children separated from their biological families and the international emphasis on early interventions as a strategy for prevention and mental health promotion. This article aims to shed light on the lived experiences of social workers active in the field and to capture their perceptions on adoption and prospective adoptive parent preparation, thereby contributing to the scientific gap identified in Greek literature and research. The key findings illuminate the multifaceted nature of the preparation process, which emerges as a reflective pathway of empowerment and transformation, intertwined with the assessment of prospective adoptive parents’ suitability, while the concept of early intervention proves to be polysemic. Regarding existing training programs, professionals recognize their introduction as one of the positive aspects of legislative reform, yet highlight the need for a more systematic framework and stronger supportive structures.
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Zafeiropoulou, N., & Maniadaki, K. (2026). Exploring the experience of social workers in the field during the preparation of prospective adoptive parents . Social Work. Review of Social Sciences, 40(1), 72–93. https://doi.org/10.12681/socialwork-rss.41291
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