YES to #36 Our proposed LDA notification system

by Deb Wilde

Report 66 ‘Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives’;

Recommendation 36

The WA government WILL notify all adult adopted persons not already aware of their adopted status

Increasingly we are hearing of adopted people finding out they’re adopted later in life,

known as Late Discovery Adoptee’s aka LDA’s.

And they’re finding out at really difficult times in their lives eg

-going through a newly deceased parents paperwork,

-or a deathbed confession

-having the information weaponised by a disgruntled relative, neighbour or friend

-or they’re blindsided by ancestry dna results

Adopted people are finding out

• in isolation

• without support

• without warning

This is traumatic and harmful.

And then when they look for support they find they have long wait times to access their files further exacerbating their trauma.

Or they go about approaching newly found relatives in ways that people experienced in adoption search and reunion know have poorer outcomes.

Meanwhile they and their offspring are living with false medical history and unknown genetic predispositions which could result in avoidable negative outcomes.

They are robbed of the opportunity to know relatives and the longer it takes for them to find out the more likely it is they find a grave.

They’re deprived of the opportunity to make informed decisions and explore cultural connections.

It’s a human right to know your true identity.

Social services, medical services, police and military all have structured methods used by professionals to deliver bad news to individuals and families in a sensitive and effective manner.

Eg chronic illness, genetic issues, during palliative care, the death or impending death of a loved one, road fatalities, murders etc

Some examples of methods often employed -

SPIKES protocol

BREAKS protocol

CONNECT protocol

PEWTER method

Methodology for informing people of their unknown adoptive status:

1/ MUST BE

- client centered

- trauma informed

- empathic

- have clear communication.

2/ SET UP TO REDUCE HARM

- choose a comfortable and appropriate physical setting

- suggest client bring preferred support person/people

-fire a warning shot (to prepare for news)

- give information in amounts that suit the individual

- acknowledge emotions

- allow for questions

- and very importantly for lda’s, have all information and support services organised and ready to progress at a pace set by the client. There should be no wait time imposed on a person seeking their personal records in this situation

3/ STRATEGISE A FUTURE TOGETHER - regroup and follow up

- provide expert assistance with search and reunion in accordance with the wishes and timeframe set by the adopted person to facilitate optimal outcomes.

Many adopted people find adoptee support groups (in person and online) a great way to find community that understands the very unique aspects of living with the impact of historical forced closed adoption.