Understanding the experience of fathers separated from children by adoption

by Michelle Blanchard | Aug 5, 2025 | Articles & factsheets, Resources

By Cheyne Bull, General Psychologist & Adoptee Fathers erased Fathers separated from children by adoption are often decentred or even completely erased. The focus of adoption narratives tends to be on the mother/child relationship and excludes the father. Just one...

Supporting a partner, friend or family member who is searching for family

by Michelle Blanchard | Jul 7, 2025 | Articles & factsheets, Resources

By Cheyne Bull, General Psychologist & Adoptee The decision to search It often takes adoptees and people affected by family separation a long time to decide to search. This deeply personal decision can be affected by a number of factors, including the  person’s...

Navigating grief and loss: finding out that the person you are looking for has died

by Michelle Blanchard | Jul 3, 2025 | Articles & factsheets, Resources

By Cheyne Bull, General Psychologist & Adoptee A very real loss Finding out someone has died that you have never had a chance to meet, or have no memory of knowing, is a very real loss. Your emotional response might feel confusing or out of perspective because you...

When a family member doesn’t want contact: Navigating grief and loss, holding hope

by Michelle Blanchard | Jun 23, 2025 | Articles & factsheets, Resources

By Cheyne Bull, General Psychologist & Adoptee The impact of “not knowing”: confusion and anxiety Not knowing why a family member isn’t responding to you when you first reach out to them or doesn’t want contact is likely to cause significant distress, anxiety and...

Using DNA to Search for Relatives

by Michelle Blanchard | May 5, 2025 | Articles & factsheets, News, Resources

In recent years, there has been an explosion in the use of DNA testing. In this article reproduced from the May 2019 edition of VANISH VOICE, we share a bit more about DNA testing and some considerations if you are thinking of using this in your search.  Introduction...

Self-care during the festive season

by blick | Sep 7, 2023 | Articles & factsheets, Resources

If you find the holidays stressful, you’re not alone. The season can be stressful and overwhelming due to a combination of financial pressure, packed schedules, unrealistic expectations of a “perfect” holiday, family tension, and loneliness.  Here...