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Today I speak with Sarah, the Founder of care bags and Chair of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee. Sarah is a mum of two and been a social worker for over 15 years.

Throughout her career, She has seen first-hand the impact of children entering foster care and has always wanted to do something tangible to make this challenging time a little bit easier. 

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode with Sarah and the care bags mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in care and at risk within Western Australia. 

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In this episode I sit down with Felicity Graham, a 19-year old advocate for children and carers in the foster care system in South Australia. She is an author of the book titled 'Not Held Down' that she wrote at 15,  sharing her perspective and experiences of growing up in state care. 

Felicity sheds some light on what the foster care system is really like from a child’s perspective, an experience that is often left unspoken or ignored, and hopes to give a voice to all those foster children out there who feel silenced and misunderstood. 

Please note that in this episode self-harm and suicidality and their contributing factors are discussed and may have a triggering effect. If you experience emotional distress as a result of listening, please reach out to someone you trust and/or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. If life is in danger please call 000.

If you would like to reach out to Felicity to access her book or support her further you can find her on Instagram called fostering change Australia or you can order her book online - Not Held Down by Felicity Graham. 

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Today I'm speaking with Dara Read, a lawyer and writer. Dara has worked as a lawyer for children and adults in NSW and the Northern Territory. She has also worked as a policy advisor to the NSW Government, including as a Senior Ministerial Advisor to the Attorney General of NSW and Minister for Family and Community Services. 

Dara's written a children's picture book, "We love you Hundreds and Thousands", which is a window into the life of Jasmine, who loves birthday parties, and the special bond between a child and their foster or adoptive parents. Like Jasmine, Dara is adopted and is here today to share her story and her thoughts on why stories about adoption in books, on podcasts and in our communities is important. 

Dara is currently working at the Department of Communities and Justice on close the gap outcomes for Aboriginal adults and young people in the justice system. 

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Today you will listen to Miguels journey as an adoptive father. 

Born in South America he then travelled to Australia where he and his wife settled and were ready to start a family. 

He talks about the comprehensive process of the adoption application, first meetings and visits, the transition period and key indicators in building attachment and developing a bond. 

He also shares how he had to relearn positive parenting strategies that weren’t necessarily based on his own personal experiences. 

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In Episode 6 Kat wrote her adoption story in 2020 and shares it with us in this episode. Her story begins in 1971 and in 1973 at 2 and a half Kat incredibly accesses some of her earliest memories, recalling a series of significant events, experiences and emotions that extend into her teenage years and adult life. 

The world she grew up in was a safe and loving environment however throughout her life she always felt a part of her was fragmented and unknown, and her struggle with identity led her on a prolonged search to find her biological mother and father. 

Kat’s powerful and detailed recollection of her life explores her biology, health, ancestry and the complex pathway that led her to uncovering some deep emotional truths.

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In episode 5 I speak with Andrea who is a foster care mother to four children. She talks openly and honestly about her experiences in the foster care program over 10 years. We look closely at her story with their eldest boy that she and husband Paul have cared for since 16 months old. 

It is a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions and the space is still “inconclusive” in finalising his adoption.

This episode references the Indigenous heritage of a biological family and explores the added layer of cultural complexity this brings to an adoption process.

 In engaging in this conversation, I acknowledge the ongoing hurt and harm caused to First Nations Australians by the policies, laws and practises of Australian governments, (State and Federal), in relation to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families.

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In episode 4 we speak to Matt Young, who, with his partner Peter, adopted 2 sibling young boys. 

We speak about the hurdles they faced along the way to being the first male same-sex couple in NSW to adopt their non-biological children, and to have that reflected on their children’s birth certificates.

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In episode 3 I had a beautiful conversation with the lovely Alex, finding out at 19 her mum (Julie) was adopted. She talks about the emotional and curious swirls as a young adult which leads her to find her biological grandmother. 

This story takes you through some twists, turns and synchronised events during her search but what was most profound was her deep gratitude and love for her adoptive grandma and finding out more about her adoptive grandparents and opening up with her mum post adoption reveal.

“It’s been really nice to have the moment to reflect on this with mum too. We don’t often enough talk about these things” - Alex

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In episode 2. I had the opportunity to chat with an incredibly inspirational mother of three Liz. Liz shares with us and her husbands story Justin, of adopting their daughter Lily after having two sons, naturally. 

She talks with us openly and with a raw honesty about the process to adopt through the Bernados find a family program (FAF). It is in this episode she courageously speaks about their joys, vulnerabilities and challenges as a family unit.

I am sure listeners will be inspired by her mumma bear style attitude as she thrashes out the uneasy conversations about adoption and leaves nothing left under the rug.

I wish them all the love and support on their journey ahead and thank you for sharing your story with me.

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Welcome to the very first episode of the series, where the host becomes the guest. In this debut conversation, storyteller and health promoter Nadia Levett sits down with interviewer Gabriella McGrail to kick things off by getting personal.

From her own adoption story to her passion for amplifying community voices, Nadia reflects on the moments that led her to launch this podcast and why storytelling matters now more than ever. 

With warmth, humour, and deep insight, this conversation sets the tone for a season of truth-telling, connection, and heartfelt listening.

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The Australian Adoption Podcast with host Nadia Levett!