Adoption Unfiltered : Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies

Reveals the candid thoughts and feelings of those most directly involved in adoptions: the adoptee, the adopters, and the birth parents. Adoption Unfiltered authors Sara Easterly (adoptee), Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard (birth parent), and Lori Holden (adoptive parent) interview more than 30 adoptees, 20 birth parents, a dozen adoptive parents, and several industry professionals—all sharing candidly about the challenges in adoption. While finding common ground in the sometimes-contentious space of adoption may seem like a lofty goal, it reveals the authors’ optimistic aim: working together with truth and transparency to move toward healing. Flipping the typical script, in which adoptive parents take the lion’s share of the narrative, this book leads with adoptee stories then moves on to stories of challenges and perspectives of birth parents—so often marginalized and silent. The third section offers narratives from adoptive parents who are working through their unique challenges. We also hear from adoption professionals, who share the challenges of operating ethically amid rampant unethical practices in the unregulated world of finding infants and children for homes. Finally, we hear from activists and adoption-competent therapists, offering their ideas to make adoption policies and practices better for all involved. Adoption is a beautiful experience but has challenges just like any other relationship or family system. The unique perspectives found here can help to smooth out the rough spots, celebrate the joys, and provide comfort and confirmation for everyone involved in the adoption journey.