In-between and beyond: moving images and finding families - using digital media in the adoption process

Abstract

This paper explores the use of digital images as part of the adoption process. Based on a series of semi-structured interviews with adoptive parents, social workers and foster carers it explores the responses of these stakeholders and reflects on the value and affect of digital images as they are employed when a child is placed for adoption. The research reveals how the kinds of information ‘moving images’ can offer become significant, not just as introductory material for potential adoptive parents – operating within the ‘in-between’ space for the parent waiting to adopt and the child waiting to be placed – but as facilitating a virtual, ‘present-tense’ dialogue (in-between adopters, foster carers and the child) once a placement has been agreed. Another unanticipated revelation was the extent to which clips were valued beyond their instrumental use in these ‘in-between’ spaces and resonated within the future life narrative of the adopted child.