From foster families to adoptive families: experiences in Chile

Introduction: Transitions from non-kinship foster care to adoption among children in Chile have been scarcely studied. This study aimed to describe the experiences of families who transitioned from non-kinship foster care to adoption and to identify relevant psychosocial and legal criteria for assessing these processes. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with four members of families who adopted children previously placed in their care, seven psychosocial professionals, and five legal professionals with experience in foster care and adoption. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Findings indicate that the decision to adopt primarily emerged from the bond developed during foster care and the impossibility of family reunification. Participants’ experiences were characterized by three main categories: uncertainty regarding the timing and outcomes of the process; adaptation to changes in family dynamics to respond to the needs of children; and lack of control stemming from insufficient institutional preparedness within the health and education systems to support these trajectories. In addition, bond stability, family commitment, and the need for transparent and coordinated procedures were identified as key criteria for evaluating these transitions. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to strengthen interinstitutional coordination, establish clear regulatory frameworks, and promote decision-making guided by the best interests of the child, thereby supporting stable and permanent family trajectories.