Brooke Randolph

Trigger Warning: Father's Day Father's Day is often harder than Mother's Day in my house. Not only is it a reminder of all the feelings towards his Samoan father (from grief to anger), but it is also a reminder that there isn't an American dad for my son either. For some children I know who have negative feelings toward their first mother, it is helpful most of the time for there not to be an adoptive mother in their home; other children will feel like they missed out twice. All days as a...

It is important to mention Mother's Day, even though personally I prefer other people would ignore it - and I know I'm not the only one. It can be a very difficult day for adoptees, first mothers, and many others who have experienced loss, parental separation, or difficult relationships. A person centered approach reminds us that wishing a Happy Mother's Day is an assumption in the majority of cases and may not be the kindest of approaches. Greeting Cards for Birthmother's Day By Sydney...

Wow a lot has happened this month, so I have a few reflections below. Just in March, I presented on RAD (why I think it is an unhelpful diagnosis) for Adoption Knowledge Affiliates, presented for a group practice that focuses on working with children (and was encouraged by how easily the clinicians took to all the information), led another Brainspotting Phase 1 training, and of course attended more webinars and read lots of research. I have been thinking about a webinar co-sponsored by Yes We...

Workshop: Adoptive Parent Guide to Filing an N-600 Adoptee rights advocate and immigration attorney Gregory Luce will walk through how an adoptive parent can apply for a minor child’s Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600), from beginning to end. More info When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026Time: 4:00pm PST/6:00pm CST/7:00pm ESTCost: Suggested $50 Donation Many therapists genuinely care deeply about adoption-impacted clients. Yet recent data shows adoptees are far more likely to encounter...

As we approach February, I am very excited for the next Intro (because you never fully arrive) to Adoption Competency training with Dr Abby Hasberry. There have been several updates with new research and the bibliography is extended. I am really looking forward to the thoughtful conversations we will be able to have. Well done, Illinois for proposing SB2895 the Healing Through History Act. This bill will require the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide prospective adoptive...

Recent survey data from the Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) underscores a critical gap between client need and perceived clinician competence in adoption therapy. While the findings reflect high engagement with mental health services across adoption-impacted populations, they also reveal strikingly low ratings of adoption competence—particularly from those most directly affected. More than 89% of birth parents, over 90% of adoptive parents, and approximately 89% of adoptees...

Adoptee Processing Group with Katy Perkins Coveney, LCSW-S Open to adopted people age 21+, in the U.S. Mondays at 6:30p EST (5:30p CST), cost is $65 per session. Please let me know which ones you would like to sign up for. You don't have to plan all the way thru 2026, just listing them here to keep all in one place. If the majority can't make a date we can discuss in group whether you'd like to reschedule or cancel together. If you're interested in referring clients please let them know that...

I hope you took some time to mark Adoptee Remembrance Day or at least read some of the many posts. As we roll into November, please do not forget the awareness in National Adoption Awareness Month. While National Adoption Awareness Month started as a way to promote adoption, adoptees and birth parents have pushed for the month to be focused more on awareness. For more about the history check out this blog by OYFF. It is important for us to remember that this month can be full of triggers for...

It's hard to believe it is almost October. The beginning of the month sent me to Midland, Texas, to train the counselors at High Sky Children's Ranch. Of course I appreciate any organization willing to invest in real adoption competency for their therapists and case workers, but I am also impressed by their Executive Director Kelsee Jones and Director of Therapeutic Services Amanda Lopez, LPC-S. Good leadership makes a huge difference in an organization. I think everyone learned quite a bit...