In this powerful episode, Sarah speaks to Euan Preston and Gillian Elam from the Potato Group (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) about their groundbreaking report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order.

They explore the lived experiences of hundreds of adoptive families parenting teens and young adults impacted by trauma — including alarming rates of violence, mental health crisis, and service failures.

Despite it all, what shines through is deep parental love, community strength, and a call for meaningful, trauma-informed change.

Read the report: thepotatogroup.org.uk/research

In this episode of Family Matters, host Sarah speaks with Simon Benn - adoptee, trainer, and host of the Thriving Adoptees podcast. They explore identity, healing, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. Simon shares personal insights from his own adoption experience, introduces his new book project for adoptive parents, and invites listeners to contribute their wisdom.

Want to take part? Submit your insight (50–250 words) by 31 August 2025: https://forms.gle/93u641bZf2DzXDGs6

Learn more about Simon and his podcast by visiting his website thrivingadoptees.com

In this episode of Family Matters we speak with Dr Julie Elliott, Clinical Director of Adoption UK’s Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH), about what therapy really means for adoptive families, kinship carers, long-term foster carers, and adopted adults.

Julie shares insights from her decades of experience, busts common therapy myths, and explains why effective support isn’t about fixing people – it’s about understanding. They discuss PATH’s unique approach, which blends clinical expertise with lived experience, and how early support can make a real difference.

You'll also learn how to access PATH’s services and what to expect from the referral process.

📧 Contact PATH for a free 20-minute consultation:

Via our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/psychology-and-therapy-hub

or email referrals.path@adoptionuk.org.uk

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore therapeutic support for adopted adults.