You Can Adopt

Welcome to episode 29 of the You Can Adopt podcast.

In this episode, host Dr Krish Kandiah, an adopter, foster carer, birth parent, and long‑standing advocate for children in care, is joined by adoptive parents Dawn and Steve to explore one of the more sensitive and often misunderstood parts of adoption - maintaining relationships with birth families.

Together, they unpack what “contact” can look like in real life and how these moments can evolve as a child grows. Dawn and Steve share how they introduced safe, supported contact for their son over time, always guided by his emotional readiness and social worker advice.

Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or are already on your journey, this episode offers real‑world insight into how maintaining safe, appropriate connections with birth family contact can play a powerful role in forming a child’s sense of identity.

#YouCanAdopt #Adoption

Welcome to episode 28 of the You Can Adopt Podcast.

Worried your home isn’t “perfect”? Or that you’re not quite ready to adopt? You’re not alone.

In this special episode for National Adoption Week 2025, adopters Emma and Mike share their real experiences of preparing (and feeling unprepared!) to welcome their two children home in January of this year.

Hosted by their social worker, Cat, they unpack common misconceptions, share practical advice and remind us that readiness isn’t about perfection - it’s about openness, commitment and building connection over time.

Whether you become a parent through birth, adoption, or another path, the journey is filled with the same hopes, fears, and questions - especially the pressure to get everything “just right”. But as every parent knows, there’s no such thing as perfect.

#YouCanAdopt #Adoption

Welcome to episode 27 of the You Can Adopt Podcast.

Host Isma Almas – comedian, writer, and adoptive mum – speaks with Michelle and Laura, a same-sex couple raising their two adopted daughters. Their journey began nearly seven years ago with a simple Google search, and they now share what they’ve learned along the way.

They discuss the early stages of adoption: from initial research and enquiry, to building confidence and managing uncertainty. With warmth and honesty, Michelle and Laura reflect on emotional highs, challenges, and the support they received, helping to demystify those first steps.

Many people delay adoption, believing they need all the answers. This episode shows that curiosity is enough to begin. An enquiry isn’t a commitment – it’s just a conversation. Whether you’re exploring or ready to move forward, you’ll find practical insight, encouragement, and advice.

#YouCanAdopt #Adoption

In this special episode of the You Can Adopt podcast, we explore the topic of transracial adoption 🎙️

Yoni Ejo, a social worker, adopted person, adoptive mother, and founder of Diversity Adopt, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rabail, a 20-year-old who was adopted at just eight months old by parents from a different ethnic background.

Like any other young person, Rabail is trying to figure out who she is and is keen to help others navigate their own journey by sharing the unique challenges and rewards of transracial adoption.

Together, Yoni and Rabail delve into a range of topics, from navigating cultural differences and DNA testing to overcoming feelings of shame and building a sense of belonging. They explore how important it is for adopted people to explore their own identity and heritage, how attitudes to transracial adoption have changed, and how this can be navigated with the support of those around you.

#YouCanAdopt #TransracialAdoption #Adoption

Welcome to a special episode of the You Can Adopt podcast for National Adoption Week 2024.

This episode features Al Coates MBE, social worker and adoptive father to six, in conversation with 27-year-old Carla who was adopted aged six, and her father, Andrew, discussing their lifelong adoption journey.

From maintaining relationships with those important to them to identity – the honest conversation tackles common myths around modern adoption and spotlights the people that Carla and Andrew met along the way, who formed their ongoing ‘village’ of support.

Just like all families, adoptive families go through ups, downs and detours during their journey and most importantly, no two adoption stories are the same. There really is no such thing as a normal family – adopted or otherwise - and this is the message of National Adoption Week this year. This episode illustrates how families can come in all shapes and sizes and the route to a family isn’t always a traditional one.

#Adoption #YouCanAdopt #NationalAdoptionWeek