192. Adoption, Transparency, and Trust: Pamela Krooth's Story (Part Two)

In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Baron is joined again by Pam Krooth as they pick up right where their first conversation ended, the moment Pam received the call about a little boy available for adoption. Pam shares her experience adopting her son, David, from Ethiopia, including the emotional weight of the legal process, the heartbreak of separation during visa delays, and the realities of bringing a young child into a new country, culture, and family. She reflects on the importance of ethical adoption practices, thorough preparation, and honest self-assessment before choosing this path. The conversation also explores raising a child of color in a Jewish family, navigating dual racial and cultural identities, and why love alone isn't enough without intentional representation and open, ongoing dialogue. Pam emphasizes respecting a child's timeline, avoiding secrecy in adoption, and creating space for age-appropriate conversations about identity and origins. This episode offers an honest look at what adoption truly asks of parents, and how openness, humility, and care help build trust over time. More about Pam Krooth, LCSW: Pam Krooth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in Maryland with her husband, two children and French Bulldog. She is the mother of a biological and adopted child. She is currently on the Board of Directors at The Lab School of Washington, DC, an independent private school for children with language based learning differences. And is on the Board of Directors at Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE), an organization that provides mental health treatment and education to adoptive, foster and kinship individuals and families, as well as training in adoption competency to professionals working with these populations. Resources: - Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Connect with Pam: -Check out Pam's Instagram - Contact Pam via email at [email protected] Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn