A Suite of Video & Recommended Resources for Teachers, Doctors and Mental Health Professionals

About this resource

Read here if you would like to know details about this resource: why we created it, who contributed, and how we went about it.

We recognise that the adoption experience and associated traumas can be difficult to talk about. Watching these videos may bring up strong feelings for some people. We encourage you to talk to your support network and seek help from services that are available to you, including the Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service (ICAFSS), Lifeline, and any of our recommended global post adoption support services.

Our lives demonstrate it is possible to experience the challenges and trauma of relinquishment and adoption and lead a positive, healthy life. This is best achieved by having the right supports in place and providing safe spaces where adoptees are able to process and integrate all these experiences. Participating and contributing to projects like this has been one way in which these adoptees have felt supported and heard. Read participant feedback here.

Rethinking Adoption: In Our Own Words

Click on CC for subtitles provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian & Swedish.
Full transcript: Rethinking Adoption
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For Professionals

Click on CC for subtitles provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian & Swedish.
Full transcript: Professionals
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For Teachers

Click on CC for subtitles provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian & Swedish.
Full transcript: Teachers
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For Doctors

Click on CC for subtitles provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian & Swedish.
Full transcript: Doctors
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For Counsellors

Click on CC for subtitles provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian & Swedish.
Full transcript: Counsellors
Note: if viewing in Chrome, click on the Learn More to watch the video

Summary of the Key Messages

Download the slide show.

Extra Videos

Short <6 minute videos of each film participant – covering a specific topic. Click on their photo image to open.

Recommended Resources for Professionals

Click here for our list of resources recommended by topic as introduced in the video series.

Music / Soundtracks

Listen to the full lyrics and music of the 5 intercountry adoptee musicians whose sound tracks were used in these videos.
Luke McQueen’s Longing (Someday)
MOИDAY’s Growing Up
Roshani Everett’s Deep and I am Freedom
Jacquelyn Wells’ LaP
Katia Marcello’s Only Child

This project is led by ICAV, an international intercountry adoptee led organisation, funded by Relationship Matters (RM) and The NSW Committee on Adoption & Permanent Care (COAPC) and supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.