Posted on January 28th, 2026  

There is a particular kind of ache that comes with goodbye. For most people, it stings for a moment, then fades. But when you have grown up in the care system, when you have been adopted, fostered, or moved from placemen…

Posted on January 28th, 2026

Words can hit harder for care-experienced people because they often come with extra baggage. A throwaway comment can sound like judgement, and a well-meant chat can still brush up against identity and belonging. 

Many people …

Posted on November 6th, 2025 

Turning 18 doesn’t suddenly make you ready for everything. 

For most people, that age comes with a bit of freedom, a lot of uncertainty, and usually, some backup if things go sideways. 

But for young people in care, 18 often…

Posted on September 20th, 2025

This week, the 2025 Adoption Barometer dropped like a bombshell across the UK care sector. And honestly? The findings are both heartbreaking and infuriating. After decades of promises, reviews, and policy changes, we're sti…

Posted on August 2nd, 2025

Transitioning into a new classroom can feel lonely, even overwhelming, especially for care-experienced students. Pause. Imagine having the insight and tools to understand attachment patterns, respond with confidence, and help …

Posted on June 18th, 2025 

Adoption in the UK isn’t just about court papers and family reshuffles—it’s tangled up in real lives, personal histories, and a quiet tug-of-war between knowing and not knowing. 

While laws here try to walk the line between …

Posted on May 20th, 2025

Adoption’s got layers. It’s not just about switching families and carrying on—it’s about piecing together a past that didn’t ask for your permission to shape you.

For many adopted folks, childhood trauma isn’t some dramatic hea…

Posted on April 17th, 2025

Sometimes, the most remarkable journeys are not those that follow a straight line, but those that carve their distinct paths, drawing from a rich variety of experiences and stories. In this context, celebrations are more than j…

By Susan Vickers

Each year, the UK dedicates a week to highlighting the experiences and needs of young people transitioning from care to independent living. Let's examine this crucial initiative from its fundamental elements to understand its true signi…

Being truthful with foster and adopted children is essential for their emotional well-being and long-term development. While it may be tempting to shield them from difficult truths, honesty, when balanced with sensitivity, is ultimately the best policy. …

by Susan Vickers

Introduction

Navigating the dynamics of a family where both biological and adopted children coexist can indeed be a challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey. Communication is the cornerstone of creating a nurturing environment where…

The revelation of adoption can have a ripple effect on the entire family dynamic. Here’s an expansion of the blog that includes the impact on other family members:

The Heart of Discovery: Embracing Adoption Within the Family

In the quiet sanctuary of ou…

By Susan Vickers

Introduction: The journey of an adoptee seeking to reconnect with biological family members is fraught with emotional highs and lows. The culmination of this journey, the reunion, is often anticipated with a mix of hope, excitement, and…

By Susan Vickers

Introduction

Adoption can be a profound and positive journey, yet it often comes entangled with challenges unique to the adoptive experience. Many adoptees experience what's known as adoption trauma — emotional and psychological challe…

By Susan Vickers

1. Unresolved grief and guilt over the relinquishment. Many birth mothers have suppressed the painful emotions surrounding placing their child for adoption. A reunion can trigger these buried feelings of loss, shame, and regret, leaving …

Exploring the nexus between identity and cultural capital in the context of adoption and foster care opens up a significant area of discourse important for both understanding and better supporting individuals in these settings. Identity, encompassing the…

Every child deserves a loving home and a community where they truly belong. In the rich tapestry of modern society, the concepts of diversity and inclusion have taken root not only in our workplaces and educational institutions but also in the fields of …

For many adopted children, the desire to uncover their origins burns like an eternal flame within their hearts. This longing transcends the love and security provided by their adoptive families, as they seek to unravel the mysteries of their birth storie…

"Pain to Power" is a poignant mini-film created by Central Youth Theatre that tells the story of Susan Vickers, a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being fostered and adopted in Wolverhampton.

The film is a testament to Susan's resilience a…

Posted on April 30th, 2024

According to UK statistics, adoption trauma is a significant issue affecting many adopted children. 

A study by Adoption UK found that 71% of adopted children have suffered significant trauma. Research suggests that 75% of the…

There are a few potential reasons why young people who have experienced care sometimes get portrayed negatively or face stigma:

1. Lack of understanding about their backgrounds and experiences. Many young people enter the care system due to no fault of t…