Caterina Balenzano

This study is aimed to explore the role of local social services in a particular form of open adoption called ‘adozione mite’. Psychologist, judges, social workers, adoptive parents and adopted children have taken part in focus group discussions. Results of qualitative analysis highlight that local services system represents a strong limit for this type of adoption; according stakeholders this is certainly an aspect to improve for a good functioning of adoption. These data are discussed in the light of the role of welfare community to support families and to facilitate integration between public and private social services.