Broken Adoptions, Bold Advocacy with Dawn J. Post

Broken Adoptions, Bold Advocacy with Dawn J. Post

From Open Adoption Project by Lanette & Shaun Nelson

September 30, 2025 · 47 min · Episode 122

About this episode

Dawn J. Post discusses her advocacy work addressing issues in the adoption system, including broken adoptions and the need for better protections for youth.

In this episode with Dawn J. Post, a New York City–based children’s rights attorney, we talk about her work addressing critical issues within the adoption system—particularly broken adoptions and the warehousing of children in unregulated facilities. Dawn shares about the tragedy that inspired her to become an advocate for youth and how that led to the founding of Themis Youth Law and Advocacy. Our conversation explores the systemic failures impacting abandoned adoptees, including the lack of support systems, unmet educational needs, and the consequences of unethical adoption practices. Dawn underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight, improved screening processes, and greater protections for vulnerable youth. https://www.themisyouthlawadvocacy.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dawnjpostesq/#

People in this episode

Hosts: Lanette Nelson, Shaun Nelson

Guest: Dawn J. Post

Topics covered

  • adoption
  • children's rights
  • advocacy
  • systemic failures
  • youth protection

Keywords

  • adoption system
  • children's rights
  • advocacy
  • unregulated facilities
  • systemic failures

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Themis Youth Law and Advocacy

Places: New York City

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