The study aimed to present an integrative review of literature about the place reserved for children, in the dynamics of applicants for adoption. The space for the child in the parental psyche provides clues about how will be the interaction between members of the new family. Criteria to define the sample (N=24): articles available in LILACS, SciELO and PEPSIC; published between 2002 and 2012; crossing of keywords "parent", "couples", "adoption", "fantasy" and "psychoanalysis". The results showed four thematic categories: (a) motivations and preconceptions presented by adoptive parents, (b) concerns about the timing of disclosure of the adoption to the child, (c) need to prepare parents for adoptive filiation, (d) the presence of professional support to prevent filial devolution. We conclude that the adoptive parents must prepare for parenthood, promoting environmental, social and psychic adaptations to the arrival of the children. The psychological attention in this process is recommended.
adoption; family; parenting; psychoanalysis; review literature
