The adoption process is often seen as a mountain of paperwork and legal steps. While administrative procedures are necessary, they do not prepare a family for the emotional reality of welcoming a child with a history of trauma.

The Romania Without Orphans Alliance recently announced a major milestone. A trauma-informed guide developed by the organization, titled “Preparing for Adoption. The Journey That Changes Your Life”, is now being used as an official professional resource by 92% of Romania’s County Directorates for Social Assistance and Child Protection. Authored by Liviu and Mirela Claudia Mihăileanu, the book has been adopted by 43 out of 47 county-level authorities across the country.

This widespread adoption highlights a critical shift: the child protection system increasingly recognizes that families need emotional and relational readiness, not just legal approval.

Grounded in Lived Experience

The guide’s impact comes from its roots. The authors combine their professional expertise with their personal journeys as adoptive parents. Furthermore, the book reflects over ten years of fieldwork through Tzuby’s Kids—a member organization that has supported more than 2,000 families navigating adoption and trauma.

Key Focus Areas of the Guide

Rather than focusing on bureaucracy, the book serves as a practical, empathetic tool that addresses:

• Emotional Readiness: Understanding parental motivation and setting realistic expectations.
• Trauma & Behavior: Helping parents recognize the roots of difficult behaviors in children with trauma histories.
• Attachment: Practical guidance on building safe, healing relationships.
• Post-Adoption Support: Providing resources for families long after the formal process ends.

Shifting the System

By placing the child’s best interests at the center, this resource supports Romania's broader legislative shift from institutionalization toward family-based care. Adoption is a lifelong relational journey, and professionals now have the tools to prepare families for it.