Welcome to the latest episode of the Adoption and Fostering Journal podcast. In this episode, hosts Vicky Walker and Dr. Dennis Golm discuss the contents of Volume 49, Issue 2, released in July 2025. This episode delves into various articles featured in the journal, including a compelling scoping review by Jenny Conrick and colleagues on direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The episode highlights why adopted individuals might seek genetic tests to understand their health risks and familial connections.
Additionally, the podcast explores the topics of allegations of abuse in foster care settings, the experiences of South Australian foster carers, and findings from cross-jurisdictional legal cases involving kinship adoption and revoking adoption orders.
Listeners will also hear about innovative practices such as the Blue Hill Care Arrangement in Norway and hear about the importance of early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions in fostered and adopted youth.
We have a special guest in this episode, any bonus points if you can spot our mascot Alma (Vicky’s dog) in the background!
Read the editorial: Mind the gap! The potential role of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services in filling the birth family information gap for adopted adults
Watch the conversation
Listen to the conversation
Read the conversation
We have provided a transcript for this podcast episode to offer an alternative version and promote accessibility. Please note that this is a transcription of a video interview. The content remains the same whilst some changes have been made to improve readability in a written format. Therefore, there may be some inconsistencies between the recording and the written conversation.
*** TECHNICAL ISSUE ***
Unfortunately, readers are unable to access the majority of our journal content at the moment due to a technical issue. We hope to enable access again shortly. In the meantime, open access journal articles are still available. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Editorial
Articles
Allegations of abuse in care: The experiences of South Australian foster carers
Damien W Riggs, Shoshana Rosenberg
‘Naming the unnameable’: A service evaluation of a reflective practice group for foster carers
Laurie Preston, Heidi Trivasse, Steve Mills, Sarah-Jane Besser, Jacqui Scott
‘Community of care’ – Contributions to sustainable care within an arrangement combining residential and foster care
Inger-Lise Negård, Inger Oterholm, Oddbjørg Skjær Ulvik
Quantitative and qualitative outcomes of Non-Violent Resistance interventions for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural difficulties and their caregivers – A systematic review
Bukola Awoyemi, Laura May, Ranjitha David, Pallab Majumder, Kapil Sayal
The use and impacts of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for adults with an adoption or out-of-home care experience: A scoping review
Jeanette (Jenny) Conrick, Megan Prictor, Dilshad Zarine, Ralph Hampson
Agency in the developmental paths of young adults with a foster care background
Elli-Maria Kamula, Riitta-Leena Metsäpelto, Maria Ruohotie-Lyhty, Anna-Maija Poikkeus
Legal Notes
Health Notes
The need for improved recognition of neurodevelopmental conditions in adopted and fostered young people
Tom Cawthorne, Matt Woolgar