The Potato (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) Group has published new research sharing the real-life stories of adoptive parents who care for children affected by severe early-life trauma. A survey of 438 parents—looking after more than 700 children—sits alongside in-depth interviews with 23 families. Their words paint a clear picture of love, determination and the daily hurdles that too often go unseen.

Parents speak of child-to-parent violence, mental-health crises, school exclusions, brushes with the criminal-justice system and the lasting effects of developmental trauma. These challenges demand attention from everyone working in adoption, social care, education and mental health.

Gillian Elam, The Potato Group researcher notes:

“What stands out is the extreme, lasting impact of early neglect and abuse on teenagers, young adults and even older adoptees. The greatest shock for many parents—and the greatest barrier to support—was the widespread lack of understanding of trauma within statutory services.”

The Potato Group urges decision-makers, professionals and the public to read this report and act on its recommendations. Change is both possible and necessary.

Download the full report here: www.thepotatogroup.org.uk/research