In Finland, adopted adults who have been internationally adopted report feelings of alienation, highlighting that fluency in the Finnish language and adherence to Finnish customs are not sufficient for social acceptance. They wish to engage more in societal discussions on immigration and challenge established narratives surrounding adoption. These insights emerged during a gathering in Hämeenlinna, where over 30-year-old internationally adopted adults shared their thoughts and experiences aimed at improving adoption practices and training.

The event revealed that adopted individuals often find their belonging questioned, both by immigrants and native Finns. This exclusion from societal conversations related to their experiences in adoption can lead to a sense of disconnection, as commented by Anu-Rohima Mylläri, a member of the Adoption Board and one of the event organizers. The participants expressed a desire to be included in discussions that affect their lives, emphasizing the need for a broader dialogue about their unique challenges.

Typically, international adoptees have been represented in discussions about attachment relationships, traumas, and tragic life events. However, as illustrated by the experiences of Sadhi Luokomaa, a lifelong Finnish resident who speaks the language fluently and embodies Finnish customs, there is a push among adopted adults to redefine their place within Finnish society. They advocate for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding adoption, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive environment that allows for diverse narratives in the discourse surrounding immigration and identity.