Family Matters (Adoption UK)

In this episode, we dive into the experiences of two adult adoptees as they discuss the complexities of honesty in adoption, unexpected birth family contact, and the impact of reunion. This episode highlights the realities adoptees face and the importance of centering their voices in these conversations.

https://www.adoptionuk.org/

In the second half of her conversation with Dr. Michael Lambert, Nerys explores the ways in which historic forced adoption practices resonate within today’s adoption landscape. Together, they ask important questions: What might a UK-wide apology mean for the adoption triangle—adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families? Join this thought-provoking discussion as Dr. Lambert and Nerys examine the lasting legacies of these practices and their implications for the future of adoption in the UK.

Is trauma-informed education just a load of made up rubbish? Is all behaviour communication or are we making excuses for poor behaviour?

In this episode, recorded as part of our break the barriers to education campaign, our education advisors debate the hot topics.

To find out more about our Breaking the Barriers campaign, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/listing/category/breaking-the-barriers

Stay tuned for episodes from our podcast, launching on Monday, 21st October.

It's the very first episode of our brand new podcast and it's National Adoption Week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It's almost as if it was planned that way.

To get us started our panel discuss what to consider if you are just starting to think about adopting a child who is in the care of the state. What are the needs of children who have a plan for adoption and what will you need to have in place? We discuss adopting as a couple, foster to adopt and parenting a child with experience of trauma and additional needs. Our panel share their experiences and their tips.

Stay tuned for more episodes this week as they take us through more of the adoption process.

Visit our website for more information https://www.adoptionuk.org/

The next step in the adoption process is going to the assessment panel. Our own panel of experts by experience shares what that involves, how it feels and what to expect.

For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/

It's the third episode in our series for National Adoption Week and we're heading into the assessment process. We talk about having a social worker and what their role is, what they will be looking into and how intrusive it is. Our panel offer their advice and share their experiences of being assessed.

For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/

Our panel of experience talk through what matching is and how it works, the role of family finding social workers, foster to adopt and how to hold your nerve.

For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/

Christmas can be a magical time, but it often comes with its share of stress, especially for adoptive families navigating unique challenges. In this special episode of the "Family Matters" podcast, we dive deep into practical tips and heartfelt advice to help you enjoy a serene and joyful Christmas Day.

We also understand that the holiday season can be particularly challenging. If you find yourself struggling, remember that Adoption UK is here to support you. You can call our information and support line at 0300 666 0006 for practical suggestions, information, and encouragement from our advisers. They're ready to help adoptees, adopters, kinship carers, and their support networks with any issues you might face. https://www.adoptionuk.org/get-help-now

In our latest podcast episode we take a dip in the sea at Penarth with adoptive parent Penny.

She explains why she had to get serious about self care and what it is about cold water swimming that calms her nervous system and allows her to be a better parent.

In December a group of young adoptees travelled to Westminster to meet the Children's Minister Janet Daby. In this episode they share the messages they delivered and the changes they want to see.

If you are an adoptee aged 16 or over or an adoptive parent, please take part in our Adoption Barometer Survey https://www.adoptionuk.org/the-adoption-barometer

Mac was adopted at the age of 8 by Richard and Swee. Richard recalls first meeting Mac, their family life together and how has come to terms with great loss. You can buy his memoir Finding Mac, a journey of adoption, love and loss on Amazon.

Finding Mac: A journey of adoption, love and loss: Amazon.co.uk: Sutcliffe, Rev Richard: 9781800422919: Books

In this episode, host Nerys, an adult adoptee, sits down with Dr. Michael Lambert of Lancaster University to delve into the hidden history of forced adoption practices in the UK.

Dr. Lambert shares insights from his research on the state’s role in these practices, as well as his involvement in the 2023 Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into the Right to Family Life, which led to formal apologies from both the Welsh and Scottish governments.

Together, they unpack the complex layers of state intervention in adoption and discuss how these policies have left a lasting impact on families and individuals. This is the first part of a compelling two-part conversation.

At the age of 8 Mahesha was sent from her home in Sri Lanka to France, where she was adopted by an aunt. In this moving interview, she describes being uprooted from everything she knew and the lifelong consequences.