What is it like to be adopted, have your identity changed and never feel quite at home in your new family, despite being loved? What is it like to become a social worker and be faced with the challenges and consequences of other adoptions every day? What is it like to hear the moving National Apology for Forced Adoptions by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013 only to be faced a few months later by a new prime minister intent on forgetting all the lessons learnt and championing a deregulated parent-centred market-driven adoption industry? Penny Mackieson takes us on her journey with the unique perspective of both an adopted person and a professional who worked in intercountry adoption for over a decade. She unravels the complexities, debunks the myths, analyses the policies and raises important questions about the ethical and human rights dilemmas in adoption. Adoption Deception: A personal and professional journeyis a passionate, heart-wrenching and unflinchingly honest account of one woman's life as an adopted person and her campaign for change. The author presents a compelling argument for Permanent Care instead of adoption for vulnerable children unable to be raised by their families in the light of continuing issues of exploitation, identity loss and the priority given to adults' wishes over children's rights.
Penny Mackieson is an Australian social worker and author who was adopted as a newborn. She has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Social Work from Melbourne University and has worked primarily in the children and family services sector. Penny lives with her husband and son in inner Melbourne.
"Adoption Deception is a deeply personal account of the experience of adoption, and the effect it can have into adulthood. It is a story of how family relationships can be influenced by adoption policies and practices. It challenges us to think about how we respond to the commercialisation of children through adoption and assisted reproductive technologies." -- Professor Marie Connolly, Chair & Head of Social Work, The University of Melbourne.
"This is a lightning rod of a book, one that will summon thunderclaps of applause and disapproval. I am not saying I agree with the argument the author makes; I am saying I admire the naked personal honesty with which she makes it. Whatever viewpoint you have at the end of this book, I guarantee you this -- you will think, and feel, more deeply about the issue of adoption." -- Martin Flanagan, author & Agejournalist
"This is a powerful and passionate book about the personal and political aspects of adoption. While it is overwhelmingly negative about adoption and the author believes the practice is outdated and should cease, she does present strong arguments for her case." Sue Bond, PhD candidate at Central Queensland University, Australian Women's Book Review
