ABSTRACT.
The constitution of a family through legal adoption does not happen suddenly. Still, it results from a delicate construction of projects, dreams and expectations, which occur both with the adopters and the child and/or adolescent who waits for a new family. This study aimed to know how the adoptive project's construction arose from parents and children's perspectives for a family composed of a couple and four siblings who were adopted together. Data collection was conducted through interviews and observation with registered in a field diary. It was found that the primary motivation of parents to adopt was the desire to constitute a family and exercise parenthood. It was verified that there was openness concerning the desired profile and the encounter with the real child. Regarding children, there were difficulties for them to express how they experienced the adoptive project, which suggests the need for more actions aimed at preparing children and adolescents in the process of being adopted. In conclusion, it is highlighted the significance of the adoptive project's construction by all involved and that a little space is provided for the child to present his narratives and elaborations on this construction.
Keywords:
Child; adoption; family