Decolonising Adoption: Exploring Adoption Through a Social Justice Lens

“I’m a product of a system I was born to destroy.” Baarka

Welcome to “Decolonising Adoption”, where we delve into the complexities of adoption through a decolonial lens. Join us as we explore the intersection of culture, identity and power dynamics within the adoption process, challenging conventional narratives and seeking to amplify marginalised voices. Get ready for insightful conversations, personal stories and critical analysis as we navigate the journey toward a more equitable and inclusive understanding of adoption.

Your host, Monique Pangari (she/her), is a licenced Clinical Counsellor and is joined by co-host Dr Evan Brook (she/they), a retired Veterinarian. They are both queer, neurodivergent and were adopted as infants. Monique is Australian and was adopted during the ‘Forced Adoption Era’ and Evan is from America, adopted during the ‘Baby Scoop Era’. They have both faced unique challenges related to adoption and their insights are both personal and share a clinical lens.
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"Decolonising Adoption" is a movement that critiques the historical and cultural aspects of adoption. It seeks to address the power imbalances and inequalities in adoption processes and attitudes. Decolonising Adoption advocates for reforms that prioritize the well-being and rights of the adopted child while respecting their cultural identity.

"Adoptee sovereignty" refers to the idea that adoptees should have agency and control over their own narratives, identities and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of adoptees having a say in decisions that affect their lives, including access to their own adoption records, the ability to explore their birth culture and heritage, and the freedom to define their own identity.

Both concepts aim to challenge traditional adoption practices and policies, with a focus on adoptee-centered perspectives and cultural sensitivity.
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THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN OR HEARD FROM MONIQUE PANGARI, EVAN BROOK OR THIS PODCAST.
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We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First People, Traditional Custodians and Sovereign owners of this country. We value First Nations people's culture, identity and continuing connection to country, waters, kin and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and are committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of First Nations people by providing services that are welcoming, safe, culturally appropriate and inclusive. We acknowledge that Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, Always will be, Aboriginal Land.
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Yindyanga Yanha - "Walk Slowly" (Wiradjuri)