Personal Stories

Learning about other people’s experiences can be helpful in validating your own experience and knowing that you are not alone. Here are some personal stories from VANISH service users who have been affected by past adoption practices and separation from family.

Now there are many books, articles, documentaries, blogs, and podcasts that focus on a range of adoption-related topics. If you would like recommendations of further material, please contact us.

Oral History: Giving a Public Voice to Adult Adoptees

“Infans VOIC’D”

Based on real stories of adult adoptees, this powerful audio-drama gives voice to the lifelong impact of closed-records adoption in Australia.

Storytelling: Adoption, from the perspective of an adoptee

“Adoption, from the perspective of an adoptee”

I am still searching for my identity as it was lost at birth.

Storytelling: The Silence Between Us

“The Silence Between Us”

It’s hard to tell a story when half of it is missing.
When it’s more question than answer, more echo than voice. But I’ll try

Storytelling: The Events

“The Events”

I don’t have any recollection of actually being told that I was adopted. I have always known. We had a book called “Don’t tell me about Goldilocks”

Jo’s Search and Reunion

Jo shares the story of her search and reunion experience, assisted by VANISH’s intermediary service. Her journey spans over two years of searching, navigating complex interstate adoption records, and ultimately connecting with her mother after more than 50 years apart.