Mapping evidence on parents’ experiences of cross-racial adoption in South Africa: a scoping review.

Abstract

Introduction: Due to South Africa's Apartheid history, cross-racial adoption only became legal in 1991 (Schröder, 2015). Research in South Africa has explored the reasons behind cross racial adoption, the identity formation of adoptees, and the challenges faced by adoptive parents (Hall, 2010; Schröder, 2015; Finlay, 2006; Jackson, 2018). International studies have also examined the experiences of black children raised by white families (Caballero et al., 2008; Samuels, 2009). However, research gaps still exist, necessitating further exploration of this emerging phenomenon in South Africa. The current study examined cross-racial adoption within the South African context. The study mapped and synthesised evidence on parents’ experiences of cross-racial adoption in South Africa. Methods and Analysis: An overview of the current literature in this research area was compiled through a scoping review. The PRISMA-ScR flow diagram was utilised to meticulously screen the data, following specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. A search across relevant databases yielded ten studies that were ultimately included in the final analysis. Results and Discussion: The data were charted in table form and summarised by: (1) Author(s) and date, (2) study title, (3) aims of the study, (4) study design, (6) population, (7) most relevant findings and (8) study limitations. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the gaps and trends in the literature to create a narrative interpretation of what was already written. Six themes emerged from the ten studies included in the review: (1) Parents' motivations and reasons to adopt cross-racially, (2) parental experiences of the pre-adoption process, (3) parental experiences of specific cross-racial adoption constructs, (4) challenges faced by cross-racial adoption parents, (5) opportunities and positive experiences faced by parents and (6) strategies that can be applied or that should be considered to minimise the adverse effects of cross-racial adoption. Conclusion and Recommendations: The scoping review highlighted significant gaps in the literature on transracial adoption, particularly the underrepresentation of adoptees' perspectives, especially in South Africa. Future research should focus on the long-term psychosocial impacts on adoptees, the motivations of men and same-sex couples in adoption, and the experiences of families who did not proceed with adoption due to obstacles.