Michael - Discharging an Adoption

Michael Costello was born in Brisbane in 1970, at the height of the closed and forced adoption eras. He was initially placed in an orphanage, and then extended foster care, despite his mother making several attempts to regain custody. Michael went on to be adopted by his foster carers at the age of five where he was physically, sexually and emotional abused. Five years ago, he began the process of discharging his adoption, having his original birth certificate reinstated and his mother legally recognised as such. In this episode, Jo Sparrow talks to Michael about why he pursued a discharge and the process involved in achieving it. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes