National survey of intercountry adoption experiences launches
Posted on: 15 July 2025
A new national survey of the lived experience of intercounty adoption for parents of children aged 0-12 has been launched today by researchers in Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
The survey forms part of a study exploring the experience of intercountry adoption from the perspectives of children (aged 0-12 years) and their families.
Approximately 5,000 children have been adopted into Ireland through intercountry adoption.
This new research, according to the authors, will contribute to an evidence base to inform the development of adoption-related services and supports in Ireland.
The first phase will involve a nationwide survey of parents habitually resident in Ireland who have adopted children through intercountry adoption. Further phases will involve follow-up interviews with adoptive parents and meeting adopted children aged 12 years and under.
Dr Simone McCaughren, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity,said: “This study seeks to capture the views of both adoptive parents and their children. The parent survey, devised in consultation with the Adoption Authority of Ireland, will gather key demographic information concerning parents who have experience of intercountry adoption.”
“The survey aims to tap into the lived experiences of adoptive parents in the context of supports they and their families need. These insights will help inform the development of future adoption-related policies, supports and services for intercountry-adopted children and their families.”
Dr Aisling Parkes, Senior Lecturer in Law in University College Cork, explained: “This interdisciplinary study will explore the views of children who have been adopted from other countries using carefully considered research methods which are dynamic and child-appropriate. Informed by a children’s rights-based approach, this study is interested in learning about the unique experiences of children aged between 0-12 years in the context of intercountry adoption in Ireland.”
Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, Orlaith Traynor, added: “This study, which we are proud to have commissioned, represents an important opportunity for intercountry adopted children and their families to let us know about their experiences, and how, as a country, we can best support them.”
The survey can be accessed here.
Media Contact:
Fiona Tyrrell | Media Relations | tyrrellf@tcd.ie | +353 1 896 3551