Lisa Albers Prock, a Harvard Medical School assistant professor, recently discussed the impact of neglect and adoption on children, the Harvard Crimson reports.
At an event organized by the Harvard China Care, which is a student organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children abandoned or orphaned in the country, Prock spoke about a variety of issues regarding American adoptions of Chinese-born children.
Among the issues Prock discussed were psychological concerns facing both the children and the adopting parents as well as the poor conditions of many orphanages in China.
"Being with an adoptive family that is able to provide emotional support is much better than being in an orphanage with very limited one-on-one attention," said Prock, an expert in the field of developmental behavioral pediatrics.
Prock added that the best way for parents to ensure a smooth adoption process and truly improve the lives of the children is to make sufficient preparations, while also encouraging open discussion after the adoption is completed.
The assistant professor said that adoption gives children a second chance.
"Every child deserves a family and a home," she said. "I'll never give up hope."
