This thesis explores the experiences that birth mothers face in adoption proceedings within a socio-legal context. With analysis of data from interviews with 32 birth mothers synthesised with the relevant provisions of the Adoption and Children Act 2002, it is argued that ingrained unfairness and a lack of accountability exists in the legal and administrative system where birth mothers' rights are concerned. The requirement for fairness in adoption practice is an underlying principle of jurisprudence from the European Court of Human Rights, with emphasis on the right to family life under Article 8 of the Convention. Analysis extends to the social problems of blame and stigmatizing of birth mothers which originates from those agencies involved in the adoptions. It highlights the perspectives and voices of birth mothers, who are seldom the focus in leading discourses of professional practice in this area. This research moves some way towards equalising this disparity by acknowledging their experiences and arguing that what they have to say should be noted by professionals involved in adoption practice. The findings demonstrate the interrelationship between birth mothers and the law, with critical examination of the results in relation to previous research and jurisprudence from the family courts. This is work by a researcher with 'insider status' of one who shares the 'birth mother' identity with the participants. In order to validate the study, the research methodology is underpinned with reflexivity which demands that the researcher examines her own feelings, reactions, and motives and how this influences the analysis and the findings. This approach lessens the risk of bias and authenticates research by ensuring transparency. The original contribution to knowledge required for a doctoral thesis is the socio-legal approach to the methodology, the primary data generated from interviews with birth mothers and the subsequent findings which demonstrate the inconsistency between the law and their experiences of adoption practice.

[pt] Esta dissertação tem como objetivo apresentar e analisar as experiências, sentimentos e expectativas de casais em processo de adoção legal na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Foram acompanhados diversos casais e entrevistados em profundidade três deles, os quais se encontravam em momentos distintos dos processos legais de adoção de cada um. Através de observação participante foram identificadas e acompanhadas algumas fases recorrentes no processo de adoção, em que se destacam dois momentos ou etapas significativas que se superpõem: o processo de habilitação de pretendentes à adoção, onde é mandatório seguir um curso destinado aos candidatos à adoção, e que é conduzido e certificado pelos Grupos de Apoio à Adoção, autorizados pelas Varas de Infância, Juventude e do Idoso de cada comarca / município; o outro momento e observado corresponde às visitas a abrigos de crianças e jovens sob a tutela do Estado. Ao analisar esse material, foram encontradas semelhanças e diferenças entre as experiências dos casais, cada qual marcada por um sentimento e questão particulares. A partir de suas narrativas foram observadas diferenças na atuação dos operadores técnicos – Grupos de Apoio, Juizados e abrigos institucionais – que contradizem uma impressão inicial dos participantes, de que o processo legal seria um caminho reto e menos complicado para o tão sonhado filho. / [en] This dissertation aims to present and analyze the experiences, feelings, and expectations of some couples in the process of legal adoption in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Several couples were monitored and three of them were interviewed in depth; they were, each one, at different times in the legal processes of adopting. Through participant observation, some recurring stages in the adoption process were identified, especially two significant moments or stages that overlap: the process of qualifying applicants for adoption, where it is mandatory to follow a course for candidates for adoption, which is conducted and certified by the Adoption Support Groups, authorized by the Child, Youth and Elderly Courts of each district / municipality; the other moment corresponds to visits to shelters for children and young people under the tutelage of the State. When analyzing this material, similarities and differences were found between the couples experiences, each marked by a particular feeling and issue. From their narratives, differences were observed in the performance of the technical operators – Support Groups, Courts, and institutional shelters - which contradict the initial impression of the participants, that the legal process would be a straight and less complicated path for the long-dreamed son.