In Autumn 2023, we facilitated 10 online workshops to gain understanding of adopters mental health and support needs during the adoption process and once a child has been placed. We are currently working on transcribing and analysing these workshops and want to thank everyone that took part. Results will be shared when available.

Trainee clinical psychologist Lacey Johnson is conducting a number of interviews with adopters who have a child or children placed with them, taking place throughout Spring 2024. She will then be analysing the results of these interviews over summer in contribution to her doctoral degree.

Trainee clinical psychologist Rhiannon O'Marah is conducting a number of interviews about adopters' experiences of how adoption has impacted their existing family relationships throughout Summer 2024. She will then be analysing the results of these interviews in contribution to her doctoral degree.

Adopters Advocacy are keen to employ creative methodologies to support adopters to share their experiences and ensure that these can be heard. By using reflective and creative writing, this project aims to help adopters communicate the things that are hard to say and hard to hear that they would otherwise be unable to discuss, and develop interactive narrative resources to educate and support.

Throughout May-July of 2024, we hosted a number of activities on campus for the range of adoptive ‘dads’ that we came across during our research, including those with young children, those whose children may have left home, as well as those dads who work, and those who are ‘stay at home’ dads. Following this activity, we conducted interviews with participating dads to learn more about the impact of creating this community group and safe space.

Hear an interview with Professor Laura Machin as she appears as a guest on The Adoption and Fostering Podcast hosted by Scott Casson-Rennie and Al Coates. Found wherever you get your podcasts, or available here: The Adoption and Fostering Podcast.