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.
Speak up! Personal reflections of a professional helper
Adoptee Cheyne Bull reflects on how their lived experience has shaped their work in social services and how speaking openly about adoption supports one’s own healing.
Facing adoption head on
Adoptee Chris reflects on what he gained from attending the VANISH peer support groups.
From the streets of Kolkata to a new life in Australia
Mousumi’s adoption from India to Australia was supposed to be a happy ending, but instead, it marked the beginning of new struggles.
Jo’s search and reunion
After more than two years of searching, adoptee Jo was able to reconnect with her mother after more than 50 years apart.
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.
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: 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”
Storytelling: 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…”
Storytelling: A complete story
“A Complete Story”
The meditative lapping of sea water against the ribs of my shiny little, walnut shaped boat, are rhythmic, soothing, calming.
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