Older children in preadoptive homes: issues before termination of parental rights.

In many jurisdictions, after the end of reunification services to birthparents, but before termination of parental rights, children are placed with parents who are licensed as foster parents but are committed to adopting the child. Using case examples, this article discusses the emotional and psychological difficulties often encountered by children and their prospective adoptive parents when birthparent visitation takes place and legal uncertainties exist. In addition, this article offers clinical and policy recommendations to help both the children and families in these situations as well as the professionals who work with them.