In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
All content for Adoptees Crossing Lines is the property of Zaira and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
Raised by Auntie, Called Mom: The Complicated Truth of Kinship Adoption
Adoptees Crossing Lines
50 minutes
6 months ago
Raised by Auntie, Called Mom: The Complicated Truth of Kinship Adoption
In this powerful episode, attorney and pro-Black adoptee Aretha Frazier shares her story of being adopted by her aunt in a kinship placement that was far from simple. From navigating family loyalty and control to confronting abuse and the myth of gratitude, Aretha opens up about what it really meant to grow up in a household where blood ties didn’t guarantee safety or care. She and Zaira dive deep into the complexities of kinship adoption, family dynamics, and what it means to center adoptees—especially Black adoptees—in every conversation. This is a raw, necessary look at the assumptions we carry about family, care, and who gets to be believed.
Adoptees Crossing Lines
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
