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AWARENESS | EDUCATION | ADVOCACY

Because Adoption Trauma Deserves Transparency!

“…the ego of the adopted child, in addition to all the normal demands made upon it,
is called upon to compensate for the wound left by the loss of the biological mother.”
– Psychiatrist Frances Clothier, 1943
“Adoptees are more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis than non-adoptees.”
– Therapist and adoptee Leslie Johnson
“The experience of adoption…(is) one of loss, rejection, guilt/shame, grief, diminished identity,
thwarted intimacy, and threats to self-control and to the accomplishment of mastery.”
– Silverstein and Kaplan, 1982
“Many of the issues inherent in the adoption experience
converge when the adoptee reaches adolescence.”
– Silverstein and Kaplan, 1982
“The odds of having ADHD or ODD were about twice as high in all adopted adolescents.”
– Margaret Keyes, University of Minnesota
“International adoptees had significantly more symptoms
of major depressive and separation anxiety disorders.”
– Margaret Keyes, University of Minnesota
“Adopted adolescents were significantly more likely to have had contact
with a mental health professional than nonadoptees”
– Margaret Keyes, University of Minnesota
“What does an adopted baby know? She knows her mother, she knows her loss, sadness and
hurt, she knows that those who hold her today may be gone tomorrow and that she
will be the only one left to pick up the pieces that no one seems to think are broken.”
– Adoptee, educator and speaker Karl Stenske, 2012
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Mission Statement

to raise awareness and elevate discussion about adoption trauma among the general public –
specifically adoptive and foster parents, health care providers and adoption and foster care agencies;
and to advocate for transparency about adoption trauma during the adoption and foster care processes

Vision Statement

to live in a society that is transparent about mental health concerns, specifically about adoption
trauma, and be part of a culture that practices proactive education and discussion that fosters
early diagnosis and treatment around adoption trauma

PAULA MADDOX

Founder, The First Loss
Adoption Trauma Speaker and Writer
Lived Experience Parent
Mental Wellness Advocate
Trauma-Informed

About Me
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