Impact of Inuit customary adoption on behavioral problems in school-age Inuit children.

Abstract

A large proportion of Inuit children in Arctic Quebec are adopted in accordance with traditional Inuit customs. In contrast to adoptions in Southern Canada and the USA, the child is adopted at birth and by a close family member; he/she knows who his/her biological parents are, and will typically have contact with them. Studies of other populations have reported an increased incidence of behavior problems in adopted compared with non-adopted children. Objectives This study examined the actual extent of the increase in the number of behavior problems seen in Inuit children adopted in accordance with traditional customs. Methods In a prospective longitudinal study conducted in the Canadian Arctic (n = 46 adopted and 231 non-adopted children), prenatal and familial variables were documented at birth and at school age (M = 11.3 years). Behavior problems were assessed on the Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. Results Adopted children lived in more economically disadvantaged families, but their caregivers were less prone to depression, domestic violence, or alcohol abuse compared with those of the non-adopted children. The adoption status was not related to the teacher’s report of attention problems, externalizing or internalizing behaviors, after controlling for confounders. Conclusion Despite less favorable socioeconomic circumstances, a higher extent of behavioral problems was not seen at school age in Inuit children adopted at birth by a family member. Psychosocial stressors associated with adoption are more likely to be responsible for an association with higher levels of childhood behavior problems rather than adoption per se.

Parent-Child Separations and Mental Health among First Nations and Métis Peoples in Canada: Links to Intergenerational Residential School Attendance

“…Moreover, the increased distress and depression scores in those who do not live with biological parents and spend time in the CWS, calls for culturally-relevant and First Nations-led interventions to address the structural inequalities that drive the over-representation of First Nations children in care that account for the multi-generational impacts of Residential Schools [ 5 ]. Additionally, kinship adoption or customary care practices may be protective by maintaining family and community connection [ 43 , 59 , 60 ], which could serve as a community alternative to foster care [ 42 ]. In fact, it is much more common for First Nations grandparents to take a central part in raising their grandchildren compared to the general population [ 61 ].…”

“…The concept of shared child care within a family and community, sometimes referred to as customary adoption, or customary care, is a common traditional practice among Indigenous communities [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. In customary adoption, children know who their birth parents are and kinship ties are strengthened, which may promote resilience among children, families, and communities [ 42 , 44 ].…”

“…In customary adoption, children know who their birth parents are and kinship ties are strengthened, which may promote resilience among children, families, and communities [ 42 , 44 ]. In this regard, a prospective study of Inuit kinship/customary adopted children and non-adopted children found that despite lower socioeconomic status in adoptive households, adoption status was not a risk factor for behavioral problems after controlling for prenatal factors [ 43 ]. It was suggested that customary adoption and care allows for a “layering of family” and promotes language, culture, and identity [ 44 ].…”

Teen pregnancy in Inuit communities – gaps still needed to be filled

“…Some community members and researchers have proposed that adoption nowadays might become a means to deal with teenage pregnancy (35,40). It has been demonstrated among Nunavik Inuit that adopted children growing up in families are less likely to experience maternal depression, alcohol abuse and domestic violence compared to non-adopted children (41). For some, adoption might be currently one of the best solutions to prevent mental health issues related to teenage pregnancy and minimize the social impacts of the latter in the northern regions (35).…”