You Can Adopt

Welcome to episode 30 of the You Can Adopt podcast. In this episode, host Lindy Wootton, an adoption professional specialising in early permanence with more than three decades of experience across the voluntary and public sectors, is joined by solo adoptive mum Emily to share her journey to becoming Teddy’s mum, and what it’s like being the third generation in her family to adopt. Together, they explore Emily’s story, from growing up in a family shaped by adoption, with both her Nan and Mum adopting, to navigating the early permanence route to adoption and adopting as a solo parent. In a heart-warming conversation, Lindy and Emily discuss the realities of the adoption process, the everyday imperfect moments that make family life so special, and what it means to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for a child in need of adoption. Many people don't realise that it's possible to adopt as a single person, but Emily's story shows that if you want to become a parent, adoption could be an option for you. An enquiry isn’t a commitment – it’s simply a conversation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or ready to take the next step, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement and insight. #YouCanAdopt #Adoption

Welcome to episode 29 of the You Can Adopt podcast. In this episode, host Dr Krish Kandiah, an adopter, foster carer, birth parent, and long‑standing advocate for children in care, is joined by adoptive parents Dawn and Steve to explore one of the more sensitive and often misunderstood parts of adoption - maintaining relationships with birth families. Together, they unpack what “contact” can look like in real life and how these moments can evolve as a child grows. Dawn and Steve share how they introduced safe, supported contact for their son over time, always guided by his emotional readiness and social worker advice. Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or are already on your journey, this episode offers real‑world insight into how maintaining safe, appropriate connections with birth family contact can play a powerful role in forming a child’s sense of identity. #YouCanAdopt #Adoption

Welcome to episode 28 of the You Can Adopt Podcast. Worried your home isn’t “perfect”? Or that you’re not quite ready to adopt? You’re not alone. In this special episode for National Adoption Week 2025, adopters Emma and Mike share their real experiences of preparing (and feeling unprepared!) to welcome their two children home in January of this year. Hosted by their social worker, Cat, they unpack common misconceptions, share practical advice and remind us that readiness isn’t about perfection - it’s about openness, commitment and building connection over time. Whether you become a parent through birth, adoption, or another path, the journey is filled with the same hopes, fears, and questions - especially the pressure to get everything “just right”. But as every parent knows, there’s no such thing as perfect. #YouCanAdopt #Adoption

Welcome to episode 27 of the You Can Adopt Podcast. Host Isma Almas – comedian, writer, and adoptive mum – speaks with Michelle and Laura, a same-sex couple raising their two adopted daughters. Their journey began nearly seven years ago with a simple Google search, and they now share what they’ve learned along the way. They discuss the early stages of adoption: from initial research and enquiry, to building confidence and managing uncertainty. With warmth and honesty, Michelle and Laura reflect on emotional highs, challenges, and the support they received, helping to demystify those first steps. Many people delay adoption, believing they need all the answers. This episode shows that curiosity is enough to begin. An enquiry isn’t a commitment – it’s just a conversation. Whether you’re exploring or ready to move forward, you’ll find practical insight, encouragement, and advice. #YouCanAdopt #Adoption

In this special episode of the You Can Adopt podcast, we explore the topic of transracial adoption 🎙️ Yoni Ejo, a social worker, adopted person, adoptive mother, and founder of Diversity Adopt, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rabail, a 20-year-old who was adopted at just eight months old by parents from a different ethnic background. Like any other young person, Rabail is trying to figure out who she is and is keen to help others navigate their own journey by sharing the unique challenges and rewards of transracial adoption. Together, Yoni and Rabail delve into a range of topics, from navigating cultural differences and DNA testing to overcoming feelings of shame and building a sense of belonging. They explore how important it is for adopted people to explore their own identity and heritage, how attitudes to transracial adoption have changed, and how this can be navigated with the support of those around you. #YouCanAdopt #TransracialAdoption #Adoption