Adopt Perspective

Arie Baker was born in Brisbane in 1974 at the Corinda Private Hospital where she was adopted at 3 weeks of age. In this episode of Jigsaw Queensland's Adopt Perspective Podcast, Arie will share with us her experience of adoption and searching for her biological family and how her desire to make sense of that experience led her to write a book that is a mix of fiction and non-fiction.   This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest, Gemma Chudzinski is an Australian Intercountry adoptee and PhD candidate from the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University, who is undertaking important research in the area of the mental health of intercountry adoptees and is calling for participants. To find out more about the research, email gemma.chudzinski@griffithuni.edu.au This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Brendan Watkins was eight years old when his parents told him he was adopted. When he was in his late twenties, he started searching for his biological parents and eventually discovered the identity of his mother: he was later told that following his birth, she'd become a Catholic nun, and she wanted nothing to do with him. For the next thirty years, Brendan had no clues as to the identity of his father. In 2018, a DNA test provided the answer: he was the son of a priest. His father had studied in a Trappist monastery in Ireland, had returned to Australia and become a celebrated outback missionary. Brendan wrote a memoir about his experience called Tell No One that not only explores his own experience, but also the wider issue of cover ups by the Catholic Church. He's joined us to share his story, and also some of his writing process. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Jo Fraser is a mother who lost her son to adoption in 1971 and connected with him again almost two decades later. She is also the Convenor of the Victorian branch of the Association Representing Mothers Separated by adoption (better known as ARMS) - a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1982 out of a common need to support women who are living with difficulties of having lost a child or children to adoption. She is also, through ARMS, part of the national alliance called the Mothers Adoption Loss Alliance or MALA.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Dr Giselle Newton, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The University of Queensland. She's a digital health sociologist whose research is focussed on understanding how reproductive and genetic technologies (re)shape personal and familial relationships and considers how people with lived experience participate and position themselves in research, policy reform and development of support and services. As a donor-conceived person herself, Giselle's research is grounded in advocacy regarding access to information and family and health for all donor-conceived people worldwide.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest was born in England in 1970 and was adopted at six weeks of age into a family who had already adopted a son. Lisa Preston's family moved to Australia when she was two years old, and then grew to include a biological daughter. Lisa's story of reunion spans decades, two continents, and is testament to courage, tenacity, and understanding that a no doesn't always stay a no.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

James Vasilic was born and adopted in Brisbane in 1985 and has an incredible story about his experience of being adopted and reunion to share with us. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Thomas Graham is a South African born adoptee, who migrated to Australia 25 years ago and in 2009 started the Australian Journal of Adoption (AJA) , an online journal providing an independent, open access forum for people affected by or involved in adoption. He published 16 volumes focusing on adoptee experiences before hanging up his hat. After AJA he published an adoption blog called Ipsify for three years, offering shorter and personalised interviews and commentary on adoption matters.  He was also part of the grassroots adoptee groups that helped set the path for what is now known as Adoptee Rights Australia. In addition, Thomas once ran a Canberra-based adoption support group, sat on the government committee to oversee the implementation of some key recommendations in the Senate Report into Forced Adoption and then, by his own account, disappeared and withdrew from any involvement in the adoption community.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Thomas Graham is a South African born adoptee, who migrated to Australia 25 years ago and in 2009 started the Australian Journal of Adoption (AJA) , an online journal providing an independent, open access forum for people affected by or involved in adoption. He published 16 volumes focusing on adoptee experiences before hanging up his hat. After AJA he published an adoption blog called Ipsify for three years, offering shorter and personalised interviews and commentary on adoption matters.  He was also part of the grassroots adoptee groups that helped set the path for what is now known as Adoptee Rights Australia. In addition, Thomas once ran a Canberra-based adoption support group, sat on the government committee to oversee the implementation of some key recommendations in the Senate Report into Forced Adoption and then, by his own account, disappeared and withdrew from any involvement in the adoption community.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

In today's episode we speak to Sarah Burns, Manager of the Benevolent Society's Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) about the first Australian Adoption Literary Festival; Stories Stranger than Fiction to be held on Saturday, 4 November 2023 from 9.30am to 2.30pm. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest was born in the Boothville Salvation Army Hospital in Brisbane in 1960 and was adopted one week later. Diana Jackson, has since gone on to make contact with both her mother and her father and knows from personal experience that adoption reunions can be complex and don't always run a straightforward trajectory. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Benjamin Franklin once famously said that ‘nothing is certain except death and taxes'. And yet, when it comes to procrastination we often find wills are at the top of the list of things we put off until later. The problem of course is that death can be unexpected, and it is the living who are left to cope with the consequences of the decisions made or left until too late. And adoption, as it does in most areas of life and relationships, adds an extra layer of complexity about these decisions. In this episode we speak to a succession law expert, Angela Cornford-Scott and Jigsaw Western Australia Counsellor, Isabel Andrews about the legalities and emotional issues of death and wills. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Lindy Saunders was born in Manilla in the Philippines and was adopted in 1976 by Australian parents who brought her home to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Lindy was told shifting stories about her origins as many adopted people, particularly inter country adoptees often are, but she felt it was disrespectful to dig too hard for the truth. It wasn't until her adoptive father passed away three years ago that her curiosity outgrew those feelings, and she began to search for her biological family. That search uncovered truths, half-truths and took her across the world to America.   This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Helen Weder was born in Brisbane in 1955 and adopted just six days later. She has since met her mother and more recently her father via an AncestryDNA test. In this episode, Helen shares her experience and how writing a memoir is helping her to process it. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Peter Capomolla Moore is a family genealogist who stumbled across his adoption via a DNA test at the age of 59. The father of 5, grandfather of many and foster carer is also a committed advocate for adopted people through his work as President of Adoptee Rights Australia.  This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.   

Today's guest is a Queensland mother who lost a daughter, and a son to adoption. Di Riddell is also a rape and domestic violence survivor, who has dedicated her life to helping others find their voice and is the author of three books, Beyond Abuse, Speak Out and Knowing You. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes   Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest is one of those extraordinary humans who travels off the beaten path, and lives a life filled with adventure. Heather Kinang is a Himalayan climber, trekker, yoga teacher, espresso lover and late discovery adoptee. In this episode, Heather shares her experience as a late discoverer and her adventurous life. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest is a Canadian born adoptee who has lived in Australia for more than two decades. I first had the pleasure of meeting Angela Irving at a workshop I facilitated in Perth for Jigsaw WA back in 2018 and her story has changed so much since then. Today she will share how the internet and DNA have helped her solve an international mystery and connect her with her maternal and paternal families...during a pandemic. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today's guest is an adoptee from Newcastle, Australia who says the internet, social media and DNA has been a game changer in her search for her biological family and connection. Louise Gleeson utilised all three during her search and is using them again now to help others. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

This year we commemorated the 10th anniversary of the federal apology for past forced adoption policies and practices. The apology was a direct result of tireless advocacy by those affected, which led to a senate inquiry and resulting report. Today's guest has been a powerful ally of those affected by forced adoption and was an integral part in how the apology came about. Claire Moore was elected to the Australian Senate for Queensland in 2001 and retired at the expiration of her final term in 2019. During her distinguished career, she acted as Deputy Chair of the Community Affairs and References Committee Inquiry into Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices. Today we're talking to Claire about her experience, how far we've come and what is left to be accomplished. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Joining us in this episode of Adopt Perspective is a Queensland mother who lost a daughter to adoption in 1976. Kathryn Rendell was also a member of the National Council for Single Mothers and Their Children (now Single Mother Families Australia Inc.) and was a member of the national Forced Adoptions Apology Reference Group and the Forced Adoptions Implementation Working Group – formed in 2013 to provide key advice to government on services and projects to improve support for people who have been affected by these practices. Kathryn shares with us her personal story and her experience of serving in these two important groups. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)   Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland   We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

On 21st March 2013, the Australian Government delivered a formal apology to people affected by past forced adoption policies and practices. The apology was delivered by then Prime Minister, Julia Gillard in the Great Hall at Parliament House. The apology acknowledged the experiences of those affected, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering. Today is the 10th anniversary of the apology and states and territories around Australia are commemorating with events. We know that not everyone can make it to an anniversary event, so we're dedicating this episode of Adopt Perspective to reflect on the apology and are joined by none other than the woman who delivered it, The Honourable Julia Gillard. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In the final episode of Season 3, Jigsaw Qld's FASS CEO Dr Trevor Jordan joins Jo to discuss a topic you've likely heard a bit about in recent months…redress. With an ageing cohort, the clock is really ticking on this issue. With only weeks remaining until the Queensland apology 10th anniversary event, we explore a number of issues, including Jigsaw Qld's recent message to the Minister, the Victorian Govt's redress announcement and how things might be explored and take shape as the Queensland government considers reparation. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Today's guest is Sarah Dingle, a dual Walkley Award-winning investigative reporter and presenter with the ABC, working across radio and TV current affairs, news and documentary. Her work has won the UN's Media Peace Prize and the Voiceless Media Prize and her radio documentaries have been recognised by the Australian Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International and the National Press Club. Sarah is the author of the incredible book we're talking about today, Brave New Humans: The Dirty Reality of Donor Conception published by Hardie Grant Books in 2021. The book is an astonishing real-life whodunnit and investigative expose revealing the uncomfortable realities of assisted reproduction and its human fallout. It also chronicles Sarah's experience as a donor conceived person. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Darryl Nelson first shared his personal experience of discharging his adoption in Queensland with us in our Jigsaw Queensland newsletter, Bits & Pieces Summer 2020 edition. Darryl was born in Brisbane in 1964 during the closed and forced adoption eras. He first discovered he was adopted when he was 14 years old, and uncovered further information about his adoption later, when records were unsealed. Darryl's discharge was successful in 2020, however, it wasn't an easy road to get there. Working on his own, it took Darryl 18 months to build a case that took only 20 minutes to hear. Each person undertaking this process experiences it differently. If you are considering pursuing a discharge of your adoption, we recommend that you have as many supports in place as possible. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In 2021, a series of morning teas aimed at highlighting adoptee mental health were held during Qld Mental Health Week, under the banner of AdopTEA. All up, four peer-supported gatherings of adopted people were registered across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland. This year, the AdopTEA events will again take place again during Qld Mental Health Week running from 8 – 16th October. The AdopTEA events increase awareness and understanding of the impacts of adoption on adopted people and reduce the stigma associated with reaching out and seeking support. In this episode we are joined by the creator of AdopTEA, Judy Glover. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

There was barely a dry eye on the Qld GOMA balcony when Allan Hill and his son, Chris shared the emotional story of their reunion at this year's national apology anniversary event. As we approach Father's Day, Allan again shares his story with our listeners; of losing a son to forced adoption in the early 1970s, their reunion and the impact this loss had on his life. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Today's guest is an adoptee born at Crown Street Women's Hospital in Sydney in 1953. Jill Rodger is a tenacious amateur detective who managed to track down her mother in 1984, years before New South Wales legislation was amended to allow access to identifying information and even before the common use of the internet and social media. More recently, Jill has managed to track down her paternal family through a commercial DNA test and has had a beautiful outcome. Jill joined us from Ballarat in Victoria. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

For some adopted people the search for their biological parents ends at a gravestone. This abrupt ending can create an overwhelming sense of grief and sadness made worse by a lack of answers and a profound sense of guilt for a search left too long. Sometimes our search leads us not to a gravestone, but to complex family dynamics or severed family relationships that can make it challenging to learn about and connect with our biological roots. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations such as Link Up have a process for these cases, known appropriately as a “Graveside Reunion”. These special types of reunions allow the returning child to grieve the loss of their parent (or in some cases, child) while at the same time being given the opportunity to reconnect with their extended family, community, and country. Today, Jo & Caroline discuss what the broader adoptee community can learn from this to allow graveside endings to become reunions that comfort grief and loss with connection and being part of something larger and more grounded than that one relationship. Jo recently had her own graveside experience in Sydney and talks about why she travelled south, how she planned out her experience and what she gained from it. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Many adopted people report that their adoption experience has impacted their parenting. Today's guest is a social worker and academic at the University of Melbourne who has researched the mothering experience of adopted women - an area she hopes to continue to explore in the future. Prior to becoming an academic, Dr Jenny Conrick had thirty years practice experience as a social work clinician, manager and educator in the non-government and health sectors, providing services across the life cycle to those with an adoption, out-of-home care and trauma experience. She is a qualitative and mixed methods researcher and her current areas of research include the impacts of legislative change on people in the child and family welfare domain. In this episode we discuss her research findings on the impact of adoption on the mothering experience of adopted women. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Natalie Lewis is an Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman who was adopted in Queensland in 1974. Her adoptive parents were originally from Germany and India. Because Natalie was adopted in Queensland in 1974, she falls outside the Australian states currently offering redress to the Stolen Generations and the criteria for states that do offer redress. This leaves Natalie in somewhat of a no-man's land as she seeks recognition of the loss that her adoption caused to her culture, community and family. In this episode, Natalie shares her personal story of adoption. We also talk about the trauma that has been caused by the removal of Aboriginal children from their families. We recognise that this could be distressing to some listeners, however, we believe that these conversations need to be had to increase the understanding of the hurt and ongoing harm caused by these policies. To those who were affected, we are sorry. Thank you to Caroline Slade, FASS Team Leader, for her assistance in putting together this episode. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Today's guest is an adoptee born in the late sixties under the closed adoption system and a cloud of secrecy. Tracy Shand searched for and reunited with her mother and sister at the age of twenty-four, finding the relationships complex to maintain over time. At the age of forty-five she did a commercial DNA test to find her father and 3 years later found success. Tracy is sharing her personal story with us today and how her experiences have led her to research adoption as part of her Psychology Honours degree. She joins us from Launceston in Tasmania. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Benjamin Kelleher was adopted from Brazil in the city of Belo Horizonte and was brought to Australia in 1989 at the age of 13 months. He was one of 5000 children in the orphanage at the time of his adoption. Benjamin grew up on the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast in Queensland and recently shared his experience of intercountry adoption in a series of educational video resources produced by InterCountry Adoptee Voices in partnership with Relationship Matters. In this episode, Benjamin shares more of his experience with our listeners.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Even if you're not quite sure what it is, chances are you've heard of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a form of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many people affected by adoption have attributed the therapy with helping them. While there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to seeking help, we will be exploring a number of therapeutic options over the coming seasons. In today's episode, we'll be discussing EMDR with Fiona Mawson, a Counselling Psychologist and registered and accredited EMDR Consultant with the EMDR Association of Australia. Fiona also has an EMDR focussed practice in Victoria.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Evelyn Robinson is a mother who was separated from her first child through adoption in Scotland in 1970. She later emigrated to Bermuda and then South Australia in 1982, where she still resides. Evelyn has a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to the long-term outcomes of adoption separation and has experienced post-adoption services from every perspective - as a client, a volunteer and as a professional counsellor. She holds undergraduate and post-grad qualifications in social work and education. In 2017, Evelyn was named in the Australia Day Honours List and received an Order of Australia medal for her service to the community, in particular to family members separated by adoption. She is the mother of five children and has written several books about adoption. In this episode, Evelyn and Jo talk about grief and loss and adoption. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland Inc. (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Evelyn Robinson is a mother who was separated from her first child through adoption in Scotland in 1970. She later emigrated to Bermuda and then South Australia in 1982, where she still resides. Evelyn has a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to the long-term outcomes of adoption separation and has experienced post-adoption services from every perspective - as a client, a volunteer and as a professional counsellor. She holds undergraduate and post-grad qualifications in social work and education. In 2017, Evelyn was named in the Australia Day Honours List and received an Order of Australia medal for her service to the community, in particular to family members separated by adoption. She is the mother of five children and has written several books about adoption. In part one of two episodes with Evelyn she shares her personal story of loss and reunion.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland Inc. (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

There is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to finding a therapy that is right for you. Throughout this and coming seasons we'll be exploring a number of therapeutic options in the hope that amongst them you might find an option that you'd like to investigate further. First up we'll be discussing Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) with Edwina Kempe, an accredited mental health social worker and trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator and trainer. TSY provides an opportunity to safely connect to your body and your breath through the practice of yoga and is suitable for all levels of fitness and flexibility. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

The Queensland Parliament's Legal Affairs and Safety Committee have recently invited submissions for its inquiry into matters relating to donor conception information with a deadline of 29 April, 2022. It is important the committee receive as many submission as possible from people with lived experience of donor conception. With this in mind, Jo talks to Kate Drysdale, who is donor conceived and Kath Gelber, the mother of a donor conceived child about their experiences, the inquiry and where donor conceived people can come together to connect, get information and support and become involved in advocacy. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In the last episode we spoke to Joyce about her story of losing a daughter to adoption and later reuniting with her. In this episode, we speak with Joyce's daughter, Kylie about how adoption has impacted her life and what her reunion with her mother has brought to her life. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Joyce is a mother who lost a daughter to adoption in Rockhampton (Qld) in 1970. In this episode, Joyce shares her story with Jo, including her reunion with her daughter, Kylie in 1990. In the next episode Kylie shares her powerful story of how adoption has impacted her life. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

In the first two episodes of Season Three, we speak to psychotherapist, author and lecturer, Nancy Verrier about her research into adoption and her books, 'The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child' (1993) and 'Coming Home to Self: The Adopted Child Grows Up' (2003). Nancy's first book turned the fairytale narrative of adoption on its head. She wasn't the first academic to explore the effects of early infant separation from their mother and subsequent adoption, however, she communicated it in a way that was relatable and easily understood. Her books are listed in the Jigsaw Queensland recommended reading lists and are often the starting place for anyone exploring their experience. In episodes 1 and 2, we speak to Nancy about her interest in adoption, research, books and her thoughts on healing from adoption trauma. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

In the first two episodes of Season Three, we speak to psychotherapist, author and lecturer, Nancy Verrier about her research into adoption and her books, 'The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child' (1993) and 'Coming Home to Self: The Adopted Child Grows Up' (2003). Nancy's first book turned the fairytale narrative of adoption on its head. She wasn't the first academic to explore the effects of early infant separation from their mother and subsequent adoption, however, she communicated it in a way that was relatable and easily understood. Her books are listed in the Jigsaw Queensland recommended reading lists and are often the starting place for anyone exploring their experience. In episodes 1 and 2, we speak to Nancy about her interest in adoption, research, books and her thoughts on healing from adoption trauma. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

2021 has both spun past in a blur and at times been a heavy load to carry for many of us. Let's take a look back at the year that was, Season Two's 24 episodes and we have a teaser for our first two episodes of 2022, featuring the author of The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child, Nancy Verrier. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information got to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Here is Part Two of our interview with Collette Glazebrook. Jo Sparrow talks to Collette about managing the lifelong legacy of adoption, weathering its storms and rejoicing in the sunny days with someone who has a great deal of experience with both. Collette Glazebrook was born in 1948 and adopted 3-days later. She has since gone on to discover she had ten siblings, and all but one were placed for adoption. Collette has tirelessly volunteered for Jigsaw Qld on the Management Committee, as a peer support worker, support group facilitator and in many other roles for more than two decades and published a book about her adoption experience called ‘Facing the Fears' in 2007. She is also the sister of Trevor Jordan, our current CEO and former President.

Today we're taking talking about managing the lifelong legacy of adoption, weathering its storms and rejoicing in the sunny days with someone who has a great deal of experience with both. Collette Glazebrook was born in 1948 and adopted 3-days later. She has since gone on to discover she had ten siblings, and all but one were placed for adoption. Collette has tirelessly volunteered for Jigsaw Qld on the Management Committee, as a peer support worker, support group facilitator and in many other roles for more than two decades and published a book about her adoption experience called ‘Facing the Fears' in 2007. She is also the sister of Trevor Jordan, our current CEO and former President. The episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

In this episode, Jane speaks to Nikki Hartmann from Relationships Australia about Integrated Birth Certificates. One of the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into former forced adoption policies and practices and the Australian Government's response following the 2013 Apology for Forced Adoptions was the nationwide introduction of Integrated Birth Certificates. However, at the time this episode went live only two states had introduced legislation allowing for them to be created - South Australia (2016) and NSW (2020). This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Rebecca Autumn Sansom is a New York documentary film maker whose latest offering, 'Reckoning with the Primal Wound' is the first film to explore Nancy Verrier's landmark book, 'The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child'. First published in 1993, Verrier's work remains the starting point for many adopted people when they begin to explore their experience. The documentaryexplores relinquishment trauma, and the cultural phenomenon surrounding the book. In this episode, Jo and Rebecca unpack the experience of working with her birth mother to produce the film, the primal wound, interviewing Nancy Verrier and the emotional labour of creating a sometimes personal work for a wider audience.

Today's guest is an author and adoptee who was born in Sydney's Crown Street Women's Hospital in 1965 where she remained for a month because of a mild talipes diagnosis. When released from the hospital she was placed in a foster care arrangement with her future adoptive parents for a period of twelve months, until the adoption was finalised. Karen describes herself as a mother, feminist, performer, celebrant and activist and now resides in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode she speaks to Jo Sparrow about her story and memoir, 'Lifting the Lid: a memoir born of adoption'. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

In the second episode of our interview with Dr Gary Clapton, Jo asks him about his adoption research, with a particular focus on fathers who lost children to adoption. Gary is a father who lost a daughter to adoption in 1970. He is also a social worker who conducts research into adoption at The University of Edinburgh and is a committee member of the Father's Network Scotland and an advisor to 'Birthlink'. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Dr Gary Clapton is a father who lost a daughter to adoption in 1970. He is also a Social Worker who conducts research into adoption at The University of Edinburgh and is a committee member of the Father's Network Scotland and an advisor to ‘Birthlink'. In this episode Gary will be sharing his personal story with Jo Sparrow and in part two he'll be discussing his adoption research, with a particular focus on fathers who lost children to adoption. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueenslandcom/episode-notes

Lynelle Long is a Vietnamese adoptee born in the early 70's who now resides in Sydney, Australia. She founded InterCountry Adoptee Voices (ICAV) in 1988 and has built it into a global network in the intercountry adoptee community. It is now one of the first worldwide platforms for adoptee-led organisations and individuals to collaborate, share and encourage one another – regardless of sending or adoptive country. Lynelle has also built relationships with the Australian Federal Government, which is responsible for intercountry adoption and also with state central authorities in Australia. She works tirelessly as a global advocate for the needs and rights of intercountry adoptees and has presented at domestic and international seminars, written, edited and collaborated to publish extensively on the experiences of intercountry adoptees – including the Colour of Time book published in 2017. Lynelle has also presented at The Hague Working Groups to Prevent & Address Illicit Practices in Intercountry Adoption and was invited to join Child Identity Protection as a Special Advisor. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes.