Understanding the Impact of Family Stories

To not know your family story is a huge loss of your sense of self. It has the potential to undermine your well-being and your relationships across a lifetime.

The Book: Adopted

Adopted is the powerful and honest account of two of the thousands of children affected by closed adoption in New Zealand, from 1950 to the mid 1970s. Jo Willis and Brigitta Baker both sought and found their respective birth parents at different stages of their lives and have become advocates for other adopted New Zealanders.

They share the complexity of that journey, the emotional challenges they faced, and the ongoing impacts of their adoptions, with candor and courage. Closed adoption also exacts a physical and emotional toll on birth parents, partners, and children. Their stories are also told in this compelling book.