What can we learn about from someone who advocates for us from within the system? What life is really like for today's young adoptees? Listen in as Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central shares her insights and vital research.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Adoption and Permanence (APPGAP) was established in February 2019 and aims:

to amplify the voices and experiences of adoptees and those in other forms of permanence and their families,
to inform parliamentarians,
to promote the development and implementation of effective policy and practice.

The APPGAP is chaired by Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central. Charities Adoption UK and Home for Good provide the secretariat for the group.

The group has conducted three inquiries since its inception.

The latest of these, Adoptee Voices (13 – 25) (link) focuses on the experiences of young adoptees in their teenage years and through the transition to adulthood. It spotlights key issues for young adoptees across the themes of identity, mental health and wellbeing; and education.

More info at:

https://appgap.info/

https://www.rachaelmaskell.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rachaelmaskell4york

https://www.instagram.com/rachael_maskell/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Unconditional Love. We only crave it because we don't feel it. Trauma gets in the way. Listen in as Jay, adopted from Costa Rica at 3 shares his journey to find it through therapy, soul searching and connection.

Here's a bit about Jay from his website

Jay Barbanel is a writer and creative based in Los Angeles.

Born in Costa Rica, raised somewhere in between.

His past didn’t arrive all at once. It showed up in flashes.

In photos. In names that didn’t fully belong to him yet. So he followed it. Across years, across countries, across versions of himself.

Finding Tico is what happens when he stopped running from the questions and let them lead him somewhere real.

Finding Tico is his debut book find out more at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY6489HR

https://www.facebook.com/JayBarbanel

https://www.instagram.com/thatkidjay1/

https://www.findingtico.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What is Fundamental Wholeness? How does seeing it transform our lives for the better? Listen in as my friend and past guest Jude Hung interviews me about this fresh and hopeful paradigm.

https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn

https://thrivingadoptees.com/

https://thrivingadoptees.com/

https://www.instagram.com/simonjbenn/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Our grounding is the base from which we connect with others and allow them to feel safe and secure. Listen in as Judith and I explore self awareness, empathy, handling ambiguity and more.

Find out more about Adoption in Merseyside here:

https://www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/adoptioninmerseyside/

https://www.facebook.com/adoptmerseyside

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptioninmerseyside/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if the tough stuff happens to help us to our most profound learnings? Doesn't that change our minds about what we are going through? Listen in as Cara and I dive deep into expectations, empathy and much more. You're going to love this...

Here's a bit about Cara from her ministry's website:

As an educator, children’s ministry director, and life-long learner, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and hearts. My personal journey as an adoptive parent has deepened my understanding of trauma and resilience. I’m passionate about empowering families and communities to create supportive environments where every child can thrive.

https://gathering-well.org/

https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringwellsf/

https://www.instagram.com/the_gatheringwell/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What is family? It seems a simple enough question. And yet...listen in as we explore a broader answer with birth mother Janelle and her birth daughter Katherine who was adopted. Fascinating and nuanced. A great episode with light and dark, laughter and sadness.

Connect and find out more at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/

https://www.bravelove.org/stories/meet-the-team-janelle-basham/

https://www.facebook.com/JoinBraveLove/

https://www.instagram.com/joinbravelove/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinehartzler/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

We don't know what we don't know. That's why other people's perspectives can help shift our perspective. Listen in as Teresa talks about opening ourselves up to new perspectives, exploring other people's perspectives and more.

Teresa Bernu has been a dedicated member of the ACI team since 2017. Before stepping into the role of Executive Director in October 2024, she served in various capacities, including Home Study Worker, Domestic Program Supervisor, and most recently, Associate Director. With over 15 years of experience in child welfare, Teresa has worked extensively in areas such as domestic infant adoption, foster care, and guardianship.

https://www.adoptioncenterofillinois.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-bernu-lcsw-50718261/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionCenterofIllinois

https://www.instagram.com/adoptillinois/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.