Lifting the Veil on Adoption:

The Often Untold Stories

This book exposes urgent social realities regarding adoption and asks readers to hold the deep complexity of stories that don't fit the culturally sanctioned narrative.

In addition to 8 true stories from adopted mothers, the book uses supportive neuroscience research to look beyond behavior to the complex root system that affects adoptees and their families. It also has reflective questions and over 30 activities designed for cross disciplinary collaboration between current and future service professionals in a wide range of fields.

The goal is to better support adoptees and their families as well as challenge the adoption system itself to reimagine its practices so birth parents, adoptees, and those who love them have honest education, preparation and support. Join our grassroots campaign to convert this critical text into an audio book format, making its content more accessible!

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“It's a Long Way Home is a courageous, compassionate, and deeply needed resource that gives voice to the often-unspoken realities of adoptive parenting with honesty, hope, and authenticity.

As both an adoptive mother and a therapist who spent 15 years in adoption social work, I found this book to be profoundly validating for families while offering practical, trauma-informed guidance for professionals, educators, and anyone supporting adoptive families.

Brighid O'Shaughnessy masterfully moves readers beyond crisis and grief by providing reflection, actionable strategies, and permission to advocate for the support every family deserves. This is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to every adoptive family, those considering adoption, and the professionals who walk alongside them.

-Ginger Healy, LCSW, Author and Adoptive Mom

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Your early pledge provides crucial momentum, ensuring we can pay the creative team equitably and fairly and get this book into as many people's hands - and ears - as possible!

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