This episode of Safe Space Radio features author, adoptee and clinician Joyce Maguire Pavao as she talks about parenting an adopted child. Joyce describes the changing demographics of adopted children, and how adopted children are increasingly older and may have experienced trauma as well as the loss of their birth family. Joyce asserts that “adoption doesn’t fix anything,” and that each member of the adoptive relationship will still need to grieve their losses. She describes ways that families can honor the birth family and reassures parents that their child will not be confused about who their parents are, because they know so well who has raised them. Joyce describes the importance of early disclosure to adopted children about their own origins, and also tells her own story of finding and reconnecting with her birth family, with the support of her parents.

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