The Adoption and Fostering Podcast

Hello and welcome to  Conversations from the A&F podcast  In this episode I speak to Dan Boxall_Simpson a Foster Carer, special guardian and fostering panel member  Dan shares his experience of becoming a foster carer with his husband and how that opened up many of the things that came afterwards including the decision to become a special guardian for two of the children they fostered. Dan is now in the process of starting an independent foster care  agency through a community interest company in his area to meet the needs of vulnerable children where he lives.  Website www.epicfamilycic.co.uk Facebook here As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to the A&F podcast, we're in the same country so after a very busy day at the FASD Ireland Conf we took to bed (think Morecambe and Wise) and unpacked the day's events as well as catching up with the latest news from the world of adoption and fostering and house moves! As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to Conversations from the A&F podcast In this episode I speak to Tristian Smith a US care experienced adult. He shares his vivid experience of coming into the care system after a difficult kinship care arrangement. Tristian with his brother moved several times, experienced a failed adoption and then separation from his young er brother. It's a difficult listen as he shares his story. Tristian now looks to support and encourage other young people in the care system and has written his experiences in his book Against All Odds. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to this third episode of Al's Churchill Fellowship. You can read the full report here. In this podcast I reflect on conversations with carers and practitioners that support parents and children in the context of respite arrangements.  It is a model of practice rarely seen in the UK and not available from statutory support services. The model of intervention explored from two settings in North America raised questions about perceptions of family and how intervening to rebuild and reform families can be an affective solution for some. ‘I came to the conclusion, if parents aren't ok then kids can't be ok.'                                                           Tanya Eichler, Interwoven Connections Clinical Lead in the AFFCA Family Support Programme.

This month we're diving into the topic of risk. Are we too risk averse? And what does that really mean in the world of parenting, adoption and fostering, education, and social work.  Join us as we explore how fear of risk and the consequences shapes decision-making, and what impact it has on the young people we're trying to support. This conversation invites you to consider where caution helps and where it might be holding us back. As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Al was invited to attend the 2025 Adoption England Conference (Moving Forwards) in London. So, he off he went with his C30 tapes and trusty recorder and was able to grab a few interviews with attendees and contributors. The conversations cover a range of subjects; Early Permanence, the ASGSF, opportunities, adoptee voices, pre order disruption with kind contributions from the following: Vicky Davidson Boyd - Adoption Tees Valley Emily Frith Adoption UK Nathanial-Elliot Coad Youth Network Sarah Johal Adoption England Prof Beth Neil University of East Anglia.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network. 

Hello and welcome to this second episode of Al's Churchill Fellowship. You can read the full report here. Developing the themes in Part 1 this podcast considers how parents and carers are supported by focused organisations. Rather than look at specific models of intervention, of which there are many,  it considered how families interacted and accessed the interventions and specifically how they were delivered to the families. Again, drawing heavily from Interwoven Connections based in Ontario, Canada the interplay of parent/carer, peer supporter and clinical staff is highlighted.   ‘It's never about whether a parent is doing a great job. They're doing the very best they can with what they've got.' Lillyth Quillin, Parents of Children with Conduct Disorter, California, USA

In this episode we have the now almost obligatory ASSGSF intro and the get to the business on hand. We invited the All Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Permanence steering committee chair Siobhan Rhodes to come on and talk about the work they're doing to gather the voices of people who are adopted. We chat about what that is with the APPG is and you can complete the survey for Adoptee Voices here. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

We pulled this episode together at short notice to promote the work of adoptive parent Clare Solomon joined by Euan Preston of the Potato group to talk about the upcoming march to protest against the changes to the ASGSF. We chat through the changes and what they are looking to achieve through the petition and the march. You can sign the petition here, or find out more about the march on the 3rd May to Downing Street here and find out more about them on their Facebook page here. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to this first episode of Al's Churchill Fellowship. You can read the full report here. This episode draws on peer support specialists working directly with parents and carers living with children with challenging and aggressive behaviour. Focusing on Canada & the USA it considers different models of peer support including social media, virtual and in person. It then considers the role of peer mentors specifically in the Canadian organisation Interwoven Connections based across the province of Ontario that serves a large community through virtual means.  ‘The best way to help families is one at a time. What each individual family needs is so unique the only way to truly help families is by addressing each unique needs and concerns one at a time.' Lillyth Quillin, Parents of Children with Conduct Disorder, California, USA

In this Episode Al interviews Dr Lynn Snow. She is a medical doctor who has undertaken a Churchill Fellowship looking at how other countries and context address and support adoptive parents experiencing post adoption depression.  It was a fascinating conversation and Lynn has also worked as a paediatrician on adoption panel and we start by unpacking that a little. We then delve deeply into the issue of PAD, its prevalence, what helps and what doesn't. Lynn's conversations with several professionals are fascinating and you can read her report here. Before we get into the interview we recorded an exteneded intro unpicking what was then breaking news that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund was going to be renewed for another year. However, it was before the updates on the Fair Access Limit. So, we will be unpacking that soon. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to this episode of Converations from the A&F podcast. In this episode I speak to foster carer and Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz. He's passionate about protecting vulnerable children which is what led him to start  YATOM: The Jewish Foster and Adoption Network. He is a father to 4 children and has fostered 8 children over the past few years with his wife, Shoshana.  They work to motivate and support the Jewish community in the journey of adopting & fostering children and to advocate for the needs of orphans, children needing temporary homes, and adoptive families.  It is a fantastic discussion and we're sure you'll find it interesting.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

What does it really mean to keep up with the kids? It's more than knowing the latest slang or TikTok trends – it's about staying curious, open, and connected. In this episode, we explore how tuning into the world our young people live in helps build stronger relationships and deeper understanding. Are you up to date with the language they use? Do you know what matters to them right now? Are you curious rather than critical? As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and welcome to the A&F podcast. In this, slightly raucous, episode we speak to Michelle Hall and Dr Paul Shuttleworth. They chat about the work they are doing with the charity Kinship supporting carers to help children make sense of their life stories.  They are delivering free training across the UK, both online and in person, and you can sign up through the Kinship website here.  If you're interested in coming to Al's Fellowship report release/webinar then you can sign up for free here. 23rd April 12 noon to 13:30 Practitioners here 24th April 20:00 to 21:00 Parent/Carer here  If you want to get the audio from the event but can't attend at the time then you can also sign up and it will be sent out after the events.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to this episode of Converations from the A&F podcast. In this episode I speak to foster carer Zoe Bell, she shares her experience of being a foster carer and the impact of her faith on that. She now works for the charity 100 Homes based in Nottinghamshire that supports local churches to recruit carers and build networks around foster carers for the local authority.   Links: Facebook and Insta: @100HomesNotts Email: info@100homes.org.uk As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

In this episode of the A&F podcast we speak to adoptive parent and Neurodiversity Coaching Psychologist Anna Webster. She shares her experience of parenting a child with a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the development of the Neurowise Programme on Therapeutic Caregiving for FASD.  It is a genuinely fascinating chat and we both drew lots of new information and thinking about the role of parents and the specific challenges parents and carers of children with FASD face.  Anna is on X here and Linkedin here As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F podcast. In this episode I speak to adoptive parent Ali. With her husband they adopted two boys and after what seemed like a routine and normal experience of parenting challenges came when they started School. Ali shares her experience of facing challenges, difficult decisions that led to her setting up the ‘Fizzy Kids' website and FaceBook page.    As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

This month, we're exploring the power of interpretations. The way we hear, use, and understand words can significantly shape how we think,feel, and respond. We reflect on how shifting our interpretations can improve relationships and promote understanding.   As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Phd Student Laura Smith recently got in touch with us in relation to research that she is undertaking research assessing the impact of a history of childhood maltreatment in the birth family on a child's emotional development. This is aimed specifically at adopters and adoptees aged 3 to 10 years old and she is keen to speak to families. We unpick why she is undertaking this research and what it can tell us in terms of how we care for adopted, and other children, who have experienced early adversity.  If you'd like to be involved here is the link to the study for parents to take part: https://southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ekEPeAvyn4TjBmC We also unpack the ongoing ASGSF saga and Scott shares news of the upcoming, and rather exciting, FASD Ireland conference in May. You can find details of that here.  At no point do we mention Al's Churchill Fellowship and that you can find out more here! As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to this slightly unusual episode of Converations from the A&F podcast.  Today I'm speaking to Peter Jakob, he introduced NVR (Non Violent Resistance) to the UK and has been a leader in its development and training of practitioner here. He's has a new book out ‘Non Violent Resistance in Trauma Focused Practice', we talk about that as well as broader issues supporting families.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

This was a fantastic episode to record, Rebecca draws on her experience as an adoptive parent to a child impacted by FASD as well as being a practicing social worker as we talk about FASD and the challenges families face getting help. To be honest it's such a critical topic we cartwheel around it.  Rebecca wrote the following: "I am a doctoral researcher at Birmingham City University. My research looks at post adoption social work with families with a child with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) from the perspectives of social workers, parent carers and children. I am seeking participants who are social workers in the field of post adoption social work and have experience of working with children with a confirmed of suspected diagnosis of FASD to complete the this questionnaire here."     As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here    

In this episode we get Becky Brooks to come on and walk us through the new Government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that is progressing through parliament now. There's lot to unpack and Becky is able to direct us to the highlights with school uniforms, admission rules for looked after children, virtual school powers, guardianship offers and much more discussed.  As always Beck it spot on and you can read more on her analysis here. If you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

This month we're talking about kindness- the chosen as Children's word of the year for 2024.We'll talk about why it matters, how it shapes connections and interactions. Kindness isn't just about individual moments—it creates a ripple effect. When children experience kindness, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and influences the systems and communities around them. A kind, understanding approach within families, schools, and support networks can transform outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and Welcome to this Episode, It's always a pleasure to have Adoption UK's Becky Brooks onto the podcast. Becky is an adoptive parent, former foster care, author and self confessed policy and statistics Nerd.  Adoption UK's Adoption Barometer is open til the 17th Feb and is a tool that informs policy makers and gives real data to the lived experience of adoptees and adopters' families. We unpick some of the reasoning behind the questions and why only 16 to 25 year old adoptees are polled.  We get of course chat about much more, hoovers, jeans and law and as always Becky's experience, knowledge and humour make it a Bantertastic episode.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F podcast. In this episode I speak to solo adopter Ramsey. He shares his journey to adoption and the experience of travelling through it on his own.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here or Spotify here

Hello and Welcome to this Episode, we jump on the AI bandwagon and dig into what we think about the idea of support to families being provided by A.I. It is an interesting chat and we give on A.I. model a try with surprising results. We also unpack the comments we got through our FB page.  Fiona Wells joins us for the whole conversation, share's her perspective and then gives us an update about the work of PATCH targeting change within adoption. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network. In this episode I speak to Augusto, with his wife they adopted twins. He reflects on the challenges of early permanence and transracial adoption. As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

This month, we focus on goals. Do you set goals? If so, are they truly for you, or are they shaped by what society expects?  For fostered and adopted children, the ultimate goal often revolves around finding a permanent family. But how much are they included in shaping this goal? Are their voices heard in the process? Join us in the conversation as we explore the importance of realistic, meaningful and inclusive goal-setting.  Connect with us - Instagram- @BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Twitter – @BMBUltd Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to this episode A&F podcast our traditional new year check in with spouses Tris and Paula.    As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to the first episode of 2025! We recorded this episode with Sarah in the run up to Christmas so we're all festive and looking ahead and behind in our references.  We invited Sarah on to share the findings of  FosterWiki's 2024 Independent Allegations Report. We have a really interesting chat about its contents as well as sharing personal and professional experience and reflect on the impact on children, adults and the broader system.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com   Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to episode 200 from the A&F Network and our 2024 Christmas special.  We've shipped in the wonderful Mark Owers to guest host a proper retrospective podcast unpicking a whole raft of episodes, anecdotes and think about why we started the podcast and looked at the highlights. Mark weaves in Christmas questions and we think about what the future holds.  We have also released it in full video format on our YouTube channel here.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here or Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to a slightly unusual series of episodes of the A&F podcast. In September I joined Fiona wells from PATCH, Friend of the show Vicki McKeown and strategic lead for Adoption England Sarah Johal to speak at the Safeguarding in Adoption online conference. With over 500 tickets requested we were overwhelmed with the interest in this subject that impacts so many families. In this episode we hear Sarah Johal.   Fiona an adoptee, adopter & social worker explained the reason for the conference: "Practice towards adopters in crisis can be oppressive, biased and lacking in fundamental foundational understanding. There needs to be a firm consideration of the impact of adversity on the whole of the child, their whole world, and their family and support offered in line with their needs, handed over with understanding, compassion and empathy. PATCH campaigns for social workers to step back, trauma experts to step forward, and for a different lens to be used." As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.   

Christmas can be a time of joy, but for many adopted and fostered children, it can feel deeply unsettling. The festive season often brings up complex emotions, triggers, and reminders of loss. In this episode, we explore how trauma impacts children during Christmas, why traditional celebrations can feel overwhelming, and how thinking ahead and making adjustments can make the time more manageable. As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Twitter – BMBUltd Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and welcome to a slightly unusual series of episodes of the A&F podcast. In September I joined Fiona wells from PATCH, Friend of the show Vicki McKeown and strategic lead for Adoption England Sarah Johal to speak at the Safeguarding in Adoption online conference. With over 500 tickets requested we were overwhelmed with the interest in this subject that impacts so many families. In this episode we hear Sarah Johal.   Fiona an adoptee, adopter & social worker explained the reason for the conference: "Practice towards adopters in crisis can be oppressive, biased and lacking in fundamental foundational understanding. There needs to be a firm consideration of the impact of adversity on the whole of the child, their whole world, and their family and support offered in line with their needs, handed over with understanding, compassion and empathy. PATCH campaigns for social workers to step back, trauma experts to step forward, and for a different lens to be used." As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.   

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode I speak to Mobeena and Wajid foster carers for Hillingdon Council. They describe a positive experience of choosing to be foster carers as their own children grew older and of welcoming a child into their home on a long term basis.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here & Spotify here

Hello and welcome to episode 199 from the A&F Network. Well, it's been eight years since we started and that coincided with us being together in Ireland. So, we kick back in Scott's kitchen, catch up on events and reflect on stuff.   As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here or Spotify here  

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode I speak to Dr Elaine Machett a solo adoptive parent. Drawing on her own personal experience she shares the results of her interviews with adoptive parents in relation to the challenges they faced when their children first moved in. As well as being a huge transition and stress for children for many parents it is a difficult time where they can feel overwhelmed and struggle to adjust. Elaine shares the themes and issue the parent raised and we discussed our own experiences.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here or Spotify here

In this latest episode Vicki and Haley discuss what we mean by “consequences”. Although consequences and punishments may seem similar, understanding the difference can have a huge impact on how we view and respond to behaviour. We talk about the need for both, what they might look like in families and in the workplace as well as how people's experiences of them influence their view and use of them.   As always you can connect with us through the following - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Twitter – BMBUltd Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and welcome to episode 198 from the A&F Network. This week we speak to Jacqueline Gear the CEO of Walk the Walk Family Support Service based in Herefordshire. We discuss the work that they do with families including a family contact centre supporting positive relationships between parents. As always it's an interesting conversation and you can look at their website and see what they get up to.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode I speak to Barbara, she was adopted as a baby  in the late 1940's after the 2nd world war . She describes the experience of finding out she was adopted by accident as a 12 year old, the challenges that brought and then later in life searching for her biological family. Barbara has written an account of her experiences and journey in a book ‘Blue Plastic Cow' and you can find a link to that here.   As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and welcome to Episode 197 of the A&F podcast. In this episode we chat to Sam Turner Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Kinship. We'd hoped to catch Kinship Care week earlier in the month but circumstances got the better of us.  Sam joined us to chat about some of the work that Kinship had been doing as well as to highlight the new report Forgotten: Support for kinship children's education and mental health It's a lively and friendly chat but we cover what are significant issues for many families caring for their children.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here  

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode we speak to Jo and James, they are biological parents and adoptive parents and came to that through the process of foster to adopt.  They share their story and shine a light on the challenges that can emerge through the process of early permanence and the emotional turmoil and complexity that it can often bring. Ultimately they did successfully navigate the process and they are open and honest about this experience.   As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and Welcome to this midweek webcast. Al spoke to Claire Agious an adoptive parent and Phd researcher considering the support that families are receiving through post adoption support from the perspective of adoptive parents and post adoption social workers.  Claire shares her journey to her research and more about what she is doing.  On the 23rd October Claire is hosting a free adoption conference, Adoptive Parenting: myths, challenges and contemporary perspectives  at the Manchester Metropolitan University and you can get more details and book here. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UPs_KAujjEiQ9M2uT3rm0ZmvjM75w_ZDgOrz2HLd7FRUMFZTRlUwT0xXVlZENDVFREZCSjhDUklUNC4u&route=shorturl   As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and welcome to a slightly unusual series of episodes of the A&F podcast. In September I joined Fiona wells from PATCH, Friend of the show Vicki McKeown and strategic lead for Adoption England Sarah Johal to speak at the Safeguarding in Adoption online conference. With over 500 tickets requested we were overwhelmed with the interest in this subject that impacts so many families.  Fiona an adoptee, adopter & social worker explained the reason for the conference: "Practice towards adopters in crisis can be oppressive, biased and lacking in fundamental foundational understanding. There needs to be a firm consideration of the impact of adversity on the whole of the child, their whole world, and their family and support offered in line with their needs, handed over with understanding, compassion and empathy. PATCH campaigns for social workers to step back, trauma experts to step forward, and for a different lens to be used." As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.   

Hello and welcome to a slightly unusual series of episodes of the A&F podcast. In September I joined Fiona wells from PATCH, Friend of the show Vicki McKeown and strategic lead for Adoption England Sarah Johal to speak at the Safeguarding in Adoption online conference. With over 500 tickets requested we were overwhelmed with the interest in this subject that impacts so many families.  Fiona an adoptee, adopter & social worker explained the reason for the conference: "Practice towards adopters in crisis can be oppressive, biased and lacking in fundamental foundational understanding. There needs to be a firm consideration of the impact of adversity on the whole of the child, their whole world, and their family and support offered in line with their needs, handed over with understanding, compassion and empathy. PATCH campaigns for social workers to step back, trauma experts to step forward, and for a different lens to be used." As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.   

In this episode, we'll explore the big question: What do we mean by success? How are we really measuring it? Is success defined by traditional milestones like career achievements or financial stability, or can it be something more personal and nuanced?   We'll explore how success can look different for everyone, especially when considering individual experiences such as neurodivergence, fostering and adoption.   Connect with us - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Twitter – BMBUltd Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and welcome to this episode of the podcast. We catch up with some news and reflect on the recent BBC programme 'I am not ok' looking at parents caring for children with violent and agressive behaviour. You can view it here in the UK. We also talk about the recent article in CYPNow by Mark Owers considering the changes that need to be brought in for Adoption. You can view that here.  In the chat we talk about a domestic homicide review and you can read that here. Of course we advise caution and note the this is highly unusual crime and not to stress over it. Get in touch via the email below if you're worried.    As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here  

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode I speak to adult adoptee Brendan. His experience of being adopted and the challenges of searching for his parents is compounded by the fact that his biological father was a priest. This fact added a layer of complexity and secrecy to what was already a challenging search. Brendan is open about the challenges that he faced across many years as the truth unfolded. Brendan has written account of his experiences and you can read or listen to the book here and visit his website here to find out more about his experience and other aspects of his work and the other children of priests/  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and welcome to this episode, it's a fascinating chat with our guest Jenny Young the founder and Director of We are Blue Cabin they work to 'develop and strengthen relationships between care experienced individuals and the people in their lives through creative activities.'. Click here to look at their website It's a really interesting conversation as we consider what we mean by 'life story work' and reflect on what that can look like and/or should look like. Jenny is passionate about supporting children, families and practitioners in the work that she does.  Of course there's plenty of #Infobanter thrown in.  As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A&F Network.  In this episode we catch up with foster carer Megan, we spoke to her in the autumn of 2022 as she was about to set out on a new adventure in Africa. Megan catches us up with the work she's been doing and the book that she's been writing. She shares her own lived experience as a neuro-divergent foster carer and explains how barriers can be broken down to establish a successful partnership with one sole aim: to create the best possible outcome for a child or teen in need. Megan Tanner: Founder of Hear Their Roar and NVR Parenting Consultant Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/heartheirroar   Amazon book link: https://amzn.eu/d/561LeE9     As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, the app formerly known as Twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here Google here

Hello and welcome to this episode of the Better Me Better Us Podcast with Vicki and Hayley. In this episode, they dive into the concept of safety—both physical and emotional—and explore what it truly means to feel safe. They discuss how trauma can deeply affect our sense of security, impacting the way we navigate relationships, environments, and ourselves. Connect with them - Instagram- BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Twitter – BMBUltd Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk