Family Matters

In this powerful episode, Sarah speaks to Euan Preston and Gillian Elam from the Potato Group (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) about their groundbreaking report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order.They explore the lived experiences of hundreds of adoptive families parenting teens and young adults impacted by trauma — including alarming rates of violence, mental health crisis, and service failures.Despite it all, what shines through is deep parental love, community strength, and a call for meaningful, trauma-informed change.Read the report: thepotatogroup.org.uk/research

In this episode of Family Matters we speak with Dr Julie Elliott, Clinical Director of Adoption UK’s Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH), about what therapy really means for adoptive families, kinship carers, long-term foster carers, and adopted adults.Julie shares insights from her decades of experience, busts common therapy myths, and explains why effective support isn’t about fixing people – it’s about understanding. They discuss PATH’s unique approach, which blends clinical expertise with lived experience, and how early support can make a real difference.You'll also learn how to access PATH’s services and what to expect from the referral process.📧 Contact PATH for a free 20-minute consultation:Via our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/psychology-and-therapy-hubor email referrals.path@adoptionuk.org.ukStay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore therapeutic support for adopted adults.

Adopted, adopter, and social worker Fiona Wells joins us to share her powerful personal journey and why she founded PATCH - Passionate Adopters Targeting Change with Hope.We discuss rising crisis levels among adoptive families, the failures of current support systems, and Fiona’s call for trauma-informed, compassionate change. She introduces the Impact Pathway - a new tool for understanding and planning for children’s recovery from trauma.🔗 Learn more at adoptionuk.org and ourpatch.org.uk

In this episode, Emma talks to Sarah Fry and Helen Willis from the Belay Foundation about disability benefits – what they are, who’s eligible, and why so many families miss out.They also share practical advice on filling in the forms, how to evidence what daily life really looks like, and what support is available to help you through the process.You can find out more about the Belay Foundation and access their free resources at belayfoundation.org.uk

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 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/

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 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.

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/

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/

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/