Season 4: Preparing for adopting a child with additional needs

Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Fiona, an adoptee, adoptive parent, and mentor, about navigating education from both perspectives. With over 20 years of experience supporting women through challenging life circumstances, Fiona is dedicated to helping adoptees overcome emotional barriers and reach their full potential. As the founder of This is Me – I’m Adopted, she provides guidance to adoptees worldwide and has shared her personal journey in two books.In this episode, Fiona discusses how her own adoption experience shaped the way she prepared her child for school, the challenges she has faced as an adoptive parent, and the strategies she has found most effective in supporting emotional well-being in education. She shares insights from her mentorship work, offering practical advice for parents and schools on creating inclusive environments and advocating for the needs of adopted children.Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Kate Elliott, a mindfulness practitioner, parent mentor, and trainee counsellor, about supporting adopted children through the education system. As a parent to a child with developmental trauma, Kate understands the challenges families face and shares practical ways to help children feel secure and supported at school. They discuss strategies for managing emotional and behavioural difficulties, advocating for the right support, and working with teachers to create a more inclusive environment. Kate also reflects on how mindfulness and therapeutic parenting can help both children and parents navigate the complexities of education with greater confidence. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Jody about how adoptive parents can support their child’s education at home. Jody shares practical approaches for helping with homework, creating a positive learning environment, and keeping children motivated. They discuss the unique challenges adoptive parents may face, how to balance educational needs with family dynamics, and the importance of strong communication with teachers. Plus, they explore useful tools and resources to make learning at home more effective and less stressful for everyone. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Adele Bates, a behaviour and education specialist and author of "Miss, I Don’t Give a Sht: Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools."* Adele shares her expertise on recognising behaviour as a form of communication, the importance of trauma-informed approaches, and strategies for building strong relationships with students who may be disengaged or resistant. They discuss practical ways to create supportive learning environments, equip teachers with the right tools, and bridge the gap between policy and effective classroom practice. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Lesley-Ann from NeuroHarmony about addressing behavioural challenges in adopted children. Helen shares insights into understanding the root causes of these behaviours and how they can be linked to a child’s early experiences. They discuss collaborative approaches between parents and educators, practical strategies for managing challenges, and the importance of providing emotional support to help children thrive.Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Yoni Ejo, CEO of Diversity Adopt, to explore the educational challenges adopted children face, especially when it comes to cultural identity. Yoni shares her story of preparing for her child’s schooling, reflecting on the importance of understanding their cultural and personal background. Yoni discusses how parents and teachers can work together to support adopted children and ensure their educational and cultural needs are met. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Julie Harmieson, Director of Education and National Strategy for Trauma Informed Schools UK, to talk about trauma-informed practices in schools, especially for adopted children. Julie shares her experience in creating classrooms that support students' emotional and psychological needs and covers practical strategies for teachers, the challenges schools face, and the real benefits of trauma-informed approaches for all adopted students. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he talks with Anthony about navigating the educational system as an adoptee. Anthony shares their personal experiences, reflecting on the challenges faced, the support that made a difference, and how their background shaped their time in school. Anthony also discuss practical advice for adoptive parents, educators, and adoptees, offering valuable insights into creating a more supportive educational experience for adopted children. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lisa to discuss her journey of adopting a child with a cleft lip and palate. Lisa talks about navigating the adoption process, advocating for support for her child, and the importance of building a safe and encouraging network.  Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.

Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lucy, a children's nurse and researcher, to explore her journey of adopting twice with her wife. Lucy shares her valuable insights into the challenges and the existing inequities of healthcare access. Throughout the conversation, Lucy underscores the importance of post-adoption support, advocating for her children's needs, and the significance of being heard within a broader support network. Additionally, Lucy sheds light on her doctoral study, which examines the experiences of lesbian parents accessing healthcare for their adopted children in England. You can also explore Lucy's research further through her book, 'Courtney Goes to the Hospital: A Story of Two Mums and Their Children,' available online.Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared*Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott*Email us [email protected]*Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.ukWe prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption journey and the stories of their children should be shared.