E76: Navigating Adoption as a Lifelong Journey

Betsie Norris is the Founder and Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland: The Ohio Family Connection. Betsie is an adoptee who searched for and was reunited with her birthparents and siblings in 1986, when she was in her mid-twenties. She emerged from that experience with strong convictions about the lifelong journey of adoption for all involved, and the need for systemic change. She found Adoption Network Cleveland in 1988, was a volunteer for the first 7 years, and has been the Executive Director since 1995. Listen is as Betsie discusses the trauma around adoption, how to find support, her personal reunification and search process, as well as what boundaries to set for a healthy experience for all involved parties. Key Takeaways [00:03:15] Adoption as a lifelong journey [00:11:11] Search Challenges & Reunion Experiences [00:23:19] Navigating Family Boundaries [00:25:19] Modern Family Dynamics [00:29:19] Trauma in Adoption [00:38:13] Setting Boundaries During Your Search [00:42:34] What boundaries can look like in an open adoption [00:49:18] Supporting Foster Care Practices Where to Find Betsie Norris & The Adoption Network LinkedIn – Betsie Norris Instagram – @AdoptionNetCLE Website – AdoptionNetwork.org How to find us - Visit our website – hardnopodcast.com – for show notes, which include links to books and other helpful resources. Like what you hear? Please subscribe, rate and review so others can find us, and make sure to follow us on social media. We're @hardnopodcast on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices