In It's A Long Way Home, *Brighid O’Shaughnessy** gives voice to adoptive mothers whose journeys reveal the hidden, and often unsettling, realities of adoption. Through raw, ethnographic storytelling, O’Shaughnessy—an adoptive mother, social worker, and seasoned documentary theatre creator—shares true accounts that confront the public's happily-ever-after perception of adoption. These stories explore challenging themes such as physical violence, self-harm, lifetime disabilities, and systemic failures in education and healthcare that continue to let families down. Yet, amidst the darkness, the book offers hope, providing practical strategies, resources, and hard-won paths toward healing.

Ideal for courses in social work, trauma studies, family counseling, disability studies, public health, education, and criminal justice, this book engages both students and professionals, providing valuable insights for educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders.

Brighid O’Shaughnessy is a Restorative Practices Coach and Consultant for schools and workplaces, and serves as a Licensed Social Worker and Diverse Learners Advocate with youth and families.