Show Notes
In the first episode, Leigh is joined by Adoption Focus CEO Anna Sharkey. Anna gives a fascinating insight into her background and her personal and professional experiences of adoption, talks about the history and current situation with the voluntary adoption sector, and offers advice for adopters and those considering starting the process.
More from Adoption in Focus
What does it really take for adopted children to thrive? In this episode, Simon Benn joins us to explore why helping children flourish starts with the emotional work of adoptive parents themselves. Through powerful metaphors, Simon challenges the idea that adopted children are broken by trauma, exploring how identity, self-worth, belonging and emotional understanding can shape a child's experience. From preparing for adolescence to embracing vulnerability and recognising our...
In this episode, Leigh and Sarah are joined by Maggie May, a 29-year-old FASD advocate, mentor and adoptee, to explore what it is really like to live with FASD. Maggie May shares her personal journey from childhood diagnosis and struggling with school, memory, sensory processing and self-esteem, to discovering her strengths, finding her community and learning to ask for support. Maggie May also challenges some of the common misconceptions and stigma surrounding FASD, highlighting the i...
In this episode of Adoption in Focus, Mike and Caroline share their family's journey through early permanence adoption, offering an honest look at what it means to welcome a child into your home while living with uncertainty. They reflect on attachment, navigating the unknown, and the emotional realities of caring for a baby who may or may not become a permanent part of your family. The conversation also explores the practical challenges of the early permanence process, the support that...
In this episode, we’re joined by Reverend Doctor Sarah to explore how faith can shape the journey of adoption and family life. Together we talk about navigating joy and sadness in adoption, welcoming children into communities of faith, and how churches and faith groups can create spaces of belonging that are supportive, inclusive and trauma-aware. If you enjoyed this episode we'd love to hear from or, if you have any topics you'd like us to discuss please email: podcast@adoption-f...
In this episode we’re joined by Alex, a single adopter who shares her honest and deeply personal experience of welcoming an older child into her life. Alex reflects on what first drew her to adopting a child over the age of five, and how the reality of introductions, transitions, and early placement differed from what she expected. Four years on, Alex shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, offering thoughtful advice for anyone considering adoption of older children.