This paper addresses, from a clinical perspective and in the light of the contributions of attachment theory, the adoptive placement of children with traumatic histories of neglect, maltreatment and sexual abuse. It describes the emotional and relational dynamics of traumatized children in adoptive family. Finally, guidelines are proposed for adoptive family therapeutic intervention aimed at supporting and processing pre-adoptive trauma.
Keywords: Adoption, childhood abuse, maltreatment, special needs adoption, attachment.