Conference presentation
The Impact of Trauma on the Primary School Experiences of Intercountry Adoptees: A Multicase Study
Trauma Aware Schooling Conference: Building knowledge skill and practice, 2017 (Brisbane, Australia, 15-Oct-2017–16-Oct-2017)
Trauma Aware Schooling Conference
2017
Abstract
Intercountry adoptees represent a minority group in Australian schools which is under-represented in educational research, in teacher training and in professional development programs. School personnel may therefore lack knowledge, understanding or personal experience in regard to the possible impact of complex trauma on children's development. This qualitative study examined the diverse primary school experiences of intercountry adoptees, from the perspectives of adoptive parents and children. Phase One of the study collected data using focus group interviews with adoption and support personnel and adoptive parents. Key themes were identified and informed further in-depth investigation in Phase Two, a multicase study of 10 adoptive families. This phase collected data from parents through semi-structured interviews and documents, and from their children's conversations, drawings and text. The study had a multi-dimensional theoretical framework which included trauma theory. Findings revealed generally positive perceptions of intercountry adoptees' school experience, but highlighted the difficulties experienced by a number of children across various developmental domains, which was particularly relevant for children adopted closer to school age. This is especially significant in light of the changing trends in Intercountry Adoption which show that a higher proportion of children adopted internationally are in this category. This study contributes to a more holistic theoretical understanding of the nature and implications of atypical early life experience on children's development and the implications for school administrators and educators. The study findings inform an effective method of inquiry for working with children from diverse backgrounds. It also reconceptualises a more consultative model for managing the intercountry adoptee's school experience which makes better use of available social resources and places the child at the centre of policy and practice considerations in schools.
Details
- Title
- The Impact of Trauma on the Primary School Experiences of Intercountry Adoptees: A Multicase Study
- Authors
- Tracey Sempowicz (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Conference details
- Trauma Aware Schooling Conference: Building knowledge skill and practice, 2017 (Brisbane, Australia, 15-Oct-2017–16-Oct-2017)
- Publisher
- Trauma Aware Schooling Conference
- Date published
- 2017
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450866402621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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130 Record Views