Adoption under the spotlight of new University of Sussex research centre

Adoption under the spotlight of new University of Sussex research centre. The major challenges facing adopted children and their families will be the focus of a new research centre at the University of Sussex. The Andrew and Virginia Rudd Centre for Adoption Research and Practice is being established with a generous £1.5 million donation by Sussex graduate Andrew Rudd and his wife Virginia, whose interest stems from their own experience as adoptive parents. Psychologists, social workers and education specialists at the University will be looking at the many and profound ways through which early separation or trauma followed by adoption shapes the lives of all those involved. Specific areas of interest will include: How separation, institutionalisation, maltreatment and other trauma influence child development and family life in adoption How new research insights in fields ranging from neuroscience to social policy can be used to inform practice International adoption and cross-cultural placement Head of the University's School of Psychology, Professor Pete Clifton, said: "Sussex already has world-recognised expertise in this field. We hope that an interdisciplinary approach, involving the latest research in social care, psychology and the life sciences, will help to solve some of the critical issues of adoption." Professor Peter Aggleton, Head of the Department of Social Work and Education, said: "The Centre is going to have a very clear practical focus. We will be working in the community and with partner agencies to build a better quality of life for adopted children and their families." Virginia Rudd said: "We are very excited to be working with Sussex on this critical project.