The Adoption and Fostering Podcast (Al Coates & Scott Casson-Rennie)

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

 

Merry Christmas! As we take a break over the holiday we re release what was the most listened to podcast of 2024.  

thank you all for listening!

Hello and welcome to the Adoption and Fostering podcasting, this week we explore Therapeutic Parenting and Good Enough Parenting. Terms that we often throw around and presume that we understand but we ask what it actually is, is there a definition and are we all on the same page. 

We draw on the feedback we had from the excellent comments on our FB pages (you can read them here and here and consider if we are indeed therapeutic parents. 

We also unpick a little news and catch up with all that's going on. 

Finally if you've not completed the Home Office consultation on definition of Child to Parent Abuse please do so 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 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 the 182nd episode of the A&F podcast. In this episode we chat to Phil Watson, amongst many other things, he works as a recruiter for Liverpool fostering as well as being a foster carer and adoptive parent. This is a somewhat chaotic but cracking chat with Phil sharing some of his personal experience as well as speaking to the challenges of recruiting as well as the nature of fostering itself. 

We would recommend following Phil here on social media as he is always entertaining.

We would also like to apologise for Al's attempts at German and French. 

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

Welcome to Episode 3 of ‘What’s da Craic’ with Maggie and Scott.

September marks World FASD Awareness Month, with a whole day dedicated to FASD Awareness Day on 9thSeptember. In this episode Maggie and Scott reflect on the day – around Ireland, as well as globally.

We reflect on social media posts, buildings being lit up red, the remarkable increase in Ireland of those willing to raise awareness for the FASD Community and more. It was certainly a very busy day, and we now consider what we will be doing this time next year.

Whilst “FASD – What’s da Craic?” is predominantly an Irish take on FASD, we try to make our language and experiences accessible to everyone. We have a mix of accents in there – something for all!

We welcome you to get in touch whether you have a question or would like to be a guest, you can search FASD Ireland across all social media platforms and DM us or email us: office@fasdireland.ie

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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

 

In this, sightly delayed released, Wednesday Webcast we speak to Sarah Anderson from FosterWiki. Sarah has been on before and she updates us on the work that the FosterWiki team are involved with as well as some other stuff. We talk all things recruitment, worker status and more, Sarah is passionate and you can find out more about what she does 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 conversations from the A&F Network. 

Well, just before we pressed record an election was announced in the UK in what was pretty poor timing for Adoption UK and their Barometer. We unpick both things and consider the impact of a change of government on the landscape as well as reflect on the release of the Barometer and the finding it highlights this year. You can read the Barometer here.

We also discuss touch on the recent speech by Sir Andrew McFarlane at the recent potato conference. You can read that here. 

Here's the link for the event Scott is doing in with Dads and Barnardos Ireland.  

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 edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

It’s national adoption week and we’re delighted to speak to birth mother Kristy.

She shares her story of the challenge of having her children removed and how she’s managed to build a life after that event. Her story is not uncommon, domestic abuse and mental ill health being at the start of the story as well as failed letterbox contact after social care professionals miscommunicated to adoptive parents. 

Kristy now volunteers with PAC UK and seeks to support other birth parents as well as affect change in the adoption 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, 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 and F network

In this episode I speak to adoptive parents Julie and Karen, they are solo adopters and share their experience of adopting on their own. They have set up the organisation called SASSI ( Solo Adopters Social, Support and Information) which is a community for parents like themselves. We chat about the specific issues that solo adopters face well as the work and hopes of SASSI. 

You can find their website 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, twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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

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

In this months podcast Vicky and Haley talk all thing parenting! What does it mean and how has it changed over the years.

Connect with us -

Instagram- @BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – @BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

Hello and welcome to this special edition of the podcast from the A&F network. 

On the 20th Sept we were invited the National Adoption Strategy Team's conference on openness in adoption in London. Unfortunately Scott couldn’t come so I attended on my own. It was planned initially to be just for adoption practitioners and exclusively in person. However,  there was huge demand and consequently it was opened up to an online audience of practitioners, adoptees, adopters and birth families. 

I was part of the round table event but was much enough to chat to a few of the contributors as well as the co Chairs Sarah Johal and Mike Hancock and squeeze an interview out of some of them. The audio is ok but you do get to hear some background noise, a sound check and kitchen sounds. 

I hope it gives a flavour of the day and the topics discovered. 

In order the contributors were, Mike, Tiegan, Sammy, Sarah and Clarissa all bringing their lived and professional experience to the debate. 

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, 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 Kerry an adult adoptee, she lives in Kenya and runs the Footprint Family Charity. Kerry shares her experience of being adopted and the challenges of looking for her birth mother and father, the isolation of that search and experiences of reuniting with birth family.

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

It's that time of the year and as per our new tradition we've invited our spouses on to dish the dirt, catch up and reflect on the latest comings and goings in our journey. We cover all kinds of stuff, children growing up, boundaries, new ways of being and moving house. 

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 185 of the Adoption and Fostering Podcast. 

In this episode we interview  transnational/transracial Adoptee and Sexologist Anna Linde.

Anna's research, website and social media can be found below

Free Discovery call and my ”workbase” at Healing Exchange LLC:

https://www.healingxchg.com/booking-calendar/discovery-meeting-with-anna?category=0ec8fc3e-78a2-4ef9-921b- 40851f4b1fa5&referral=service_list_widget

Intimacy coaching group for Adult Adoptees: https://www.healingxchg.com/intimacy-for-adult-adoptees

Instagram here.

Linkedin: here

We took our time getting to the interview so it starts at 

There were quite a few other things on our list to talk about prior to the interview, so some links below - 

You can read the statistics for the Adopters and Special Guardian Fund here.

The Ofsted article is also here. 

You can watch Gay Adoption Grandad on TikTok here.

We’d love to hear from any other carers or adopters from far flung lands so if that’s you please do 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 Wednesday Webcast from the A&F network. 

We chat to Researcher Matt Clark about his research into adoptive dads, we unpick why he's doing the research and some of the specific challenges that dads face and are perhaps hidden in the support world. 

You can read more about the research here or get in touch with Matt

 

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

In this month's podcast we talk about safeguarding during the festive period as we acknowledge that this time of year can be very stressful, overwhelming and triggering.  With this in mind we have a conversation about the importance of pre-empting some of the difficulties and creating a safety plan in place to manage some of the risk factors.

Connect with us -

Instagram- @BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – @BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

Hello and happy new year!

We thought it would be good to catch up after a busy few months and the usual Christmas shenanigans. We reflect on Christmas challenges, experiences of loss for children and then range onto politics, cruises, and more. 

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, twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

In this episode we catch up after a long busy summer, there's lots to catch up on so we rattle through the issues. Here's the set list:

Dog

Face

Birthday 

CVAA 

Panels

National Adoption week

DfE Ofsted changes (the response to the consultation can be read here)

Judges (the report can be fund here)

Conference

You'll have to check on social media to see our little friends as well. 

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, twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

Hello and welcome to this edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I catch up with Kinship carer and researcher Michelle Hall, she is looking at the issue of contact between kinship carers and birth parents for her PhD. Michelle highlights the ongoing and complex challenges that can be present and shares the experiences of those she has spoken to. You can find access to her research 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 this episode of the Better Me Better Us Podcast with Vicki and Hayley.

As it’s National Stress Awareness Month we thought we’d talk about expectations both of ourselves and others and how it contributes to our stress levels.

We would love to hear your experiences and open up the conversation.

Connect with us -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

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 Scott had a chat with foster carer and parent Frank. Frank and his wife adopted in the early 90’s in the UK and since then have returned to Ireland to live. 

Franks shares his families story of living with FASD, how they became aware of it, how they were supported, as well as how it impacted everyone in the longer term with the sad passing of his son 4 years ago from suicide. 

Franks story is an insightful and emotional listen, and we want to thank him publicly for sharing so much. If you have been affected by what you have heard in this podcast, and want to find out more information, please contact FASD Hub Ireland on 065 670 3098 or FASD Hub Northern Ireland on 02895 682 553.

Scott and Rob also have a quick catch up and start thinking about our 6th and final episode in this series, where we will have a review of the year with our special guest, FASD Ireland’s own CEO - Tristan. 

Whilst “FASD – What’s da Craic?” is predominantly an Irish take on FASD, we try to make our language and experiences accessible to everyone. We have a mix of accents in there – something for all!   We welcome you to get in touch whether you have a question or would like to be a guest, you can search FASD Ireland across all social media platforms and DM us or email us: office@fasdireland.ie

 

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 edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak Adoptive parent Matt, he shares his experience, with his partner, of adoption. It was a complicated and challenging path having to change agency mid assessment. They are now parents and Matt is open and honest thoughout this interview.  

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'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

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

 

We're re releasing the most listened to podcast of the year. In third place we have Fiona Wells.

 

In this webcast we speak to adopter, social worker and adult adoptee Feona Wells about the recent report Adoption Crisis The Jarring Reality of Adoption that she complied. It has been shared widely and lay’s out over 30 families’ experiences of adoption and the challenges that led up to and were part of disruption. It’s an emotive issue and the report raises serious concerns in terms of the system’s response to the adversity that many find themselves in.

There's a little swearing and we're aware that this is an emotive issue so go easy on yourselves.  

You can read the report here. 

You can contact Fiona on fionawells.patch@gmail.com

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 or twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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

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

 

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A and F network

In this episode I speak to Black Sheep a transracial adult adoptee and adopter. She shares her experience of growing up in a white family, the challenges and joy’s of reunification with birth family and her own experience as an adoptive parent. 

Black Sheep also shares her perspective on transracial adoption and the issues of race that are unaddressed within the adoption system. She has written of her experience in a book that you can find here and there will be an audio version available 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, twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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

Hello and welcome to the A&F podcast. 

In this episode we welcome Professor Laura Machin from the Lancaster University. She is an an adult adoptee, adopter and academic and has set up Adopters Advocacy who seek to "highlight the voices and needs of adopters during the adoption process and after a child has been placed, without diminishing the importance of adoptees and their birth families.". 

Before we get into the heart, vision and work that they do we dance lightly across the latest hot topics and issues in the news. It was a cracking chat and we had a wonderful hour with Laura whose passion and enthusiasm for the research and work was infectious.

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 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

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're really pleased to speak to Psychosexual therapist Lisa Etherson. Firstly, it's a frank and open conversation that isn't suitable for children so be warned if you're of a delicate disposition, this may not be for you and certainly don't play it on loudspeaker when the vicar is round for tea. 

We chat about the impact of early adversity on children and young people and their relationships and sex. We also discuss the broader issue of shame which was the primary reason we invited Lisa as she's researching the subject for a PHD. It's a conversation so we go where we're led and at moments slip into an episode of 'Carry on Podcasting'. Be warned.  

You can connect with Lisa 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 conversations from the A&F Network. 

In this episode I speak to Marie a German Foster Carer. She got in touch to offer some insight to the German system and how fostering is viewed and arranged there. It’s a fascinating subject with that highlights as many differences as there are similarities. 

We’d love to hear from any other carers or adopters from far flung lands so if that’s you please do 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

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 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

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 this episode of the Better Me Better Us Podcast with Vicki and Hayley.

In this months episode they talk about the importance of being curious with those around us. Curiosity helps us develop deeper understanding, build stronger connections, and respond to the needs of those around us with empathy and insight.

Connect with them -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

In this months episode Vicki and Haley firstly Wish You All A Happy New Year!!  After which we consider the pressure people often put on themselves at this time of year with new starts, resolutions, giving up things which is great but what do people also want to keep, build on and strengthen.  Under this we consider modelling habits and changes to those around us particularly children.  We also know how hard it is to give up habits particularly when a lot of those habits are meeting some kind of need.

Connect with us -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

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 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

In this episode Maggie and Scott have a have a great catch up, discussing birthdays and family additions, they also review the recent research carried out by Dr Katy Tobin, Dr Elizabeth McCarthy and Ms Anna Marie Paanoven all from Trinity College Dublin.    The report was released at the end of September, and we look at some of the statistics that caught our eye. This report is the first of its kind for Ireland - with respondents from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.    It is definitely worth a read and you can download the whole report here: https://rb.gy/u4pjx   Also in this episode Rob and Scott speak to Independent Teachta Dála (TD) for County Clare - Violet-Anne Wynne. We discuss the awareness of FASD within the political arena around Ireland, her interest in it, and how she would like to see the future develop for those living with and caring for those with FASD.   Whilst “FASD – What’s da Craic?” is predominantly an Irish take on FASD, we try to make our language and experiences accessible to everyone. We have a mix of accents in there – something for all!   We welcome you to get in touch whether you have a question or would like to be a guest, you can search FASD Ireland across all social media platforms and DM us or email us: office@fasdireland.ie

Hello and welcome to this episode of the A&F podcast. We have a great chat to share that we recorded in October, it's with Ellie Costello from Square Peg. Square Peg was set up as a social enterprise in April 2019, to effect change for children who struggle to attend school and their families. We only scratch the surface of a complex topic that affects many families in our community. Ellie has lived experience and is passionate about supporting families and making a positive change as are all the team at Square Peg.  The interview starts at 24:20 as we rip through all that's been going on with Scott (travel) and Al (no travel) and engage in a little #infobanter.  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 the A&F Podcast. 

In this episode we speak to the CEO of The Fostering Network. It feels like we only scratched the surface of the issues facing fostering at the moment but Sarah speak with experience and insight that is really thoughtful but also hopeful. We unpick a little around the State of the Nation report as well as considering the challenges of recruitment, the value placed on foster parents to name a few of the topics covered. 

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 the A&F Podcast. 

In this episode we speak to Lauren Seager-Smith CEO of The For Baby's Sake Trust charity working UK-wide to break the cycle of domestic abuse and empower parents to give their babies the best start in life. 

For many children in the care system or previously in the care system domestic abuse has been a part of their story and it was a really interesting conversation with Lauren. Additionally, Lauren discusses her previous work around bullying and Scott and Al have had to call in HR. 

Here are the links discussed in the news section:

Safeguarding in Adoption on the 24th Sept 9:30 to 1pm online - Here

Adoption England - Maintaining Relationships Standards Consultation - 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 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

Hello and welcome to this edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak to foster carers Halima and Adam. They have chosen to be carers while raising a young family and describe their positive experiences as well as some of the challenges that they face as carers.  It’s a thoughtful conversation and demonstrates how effective support is essential for all foster carers. 

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 and F network

In this episode I speak to adoptive parents Ettienne and Scott. They share their story of how they came to adoption following issues around their health and fertility. The conversation covers a range of issues including how they chose their adoption agency, the approval process, competitive matching and introductions in lockdown. Unusually, they also have court imposed visitation which they also discuss. 

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, 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 Susie James and adult adoptee and a solo adoptive parents. She shares her experience of growing up adopted and navigating reunion with her birth mother as a young woman. Susie is now embarking on a PhD looking at post adoption support for solo adopters inspired by her own experiences of support. She also has a website collating the stories of adoptees and you can find 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

In this our Christmas podcast we get on Vicki and Haley from the podcast family and we unpick some of the latest new, consider what we'd like to ask the Children's minister and look to the future. 

Thank you so much for listening this year it's been a delight to podcast and we've had so many highs that they can't be listed.

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

 

Episode 10 – Embracing mistakes for growth

In this months podcast we talk about mistakes-  What was our experience of mistakes growing up and how they were responded to? Does this impact how we respond now? Do you create safe spaces and relationships for conversations to happen?

We would love to hear your experiences and open up the conversation.

Connect with us -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

In this midweek podcast I speak to former teacher, a behaviour outreach worker and adoptive parent Sophie Parkinson. She shares her experience of working in school as well as how this has led her to now be undertaking a PHD entitled "Education professional's understanding of trauma informed approaches in education". 

We chat about a broad range of issues that impact on children in school as well as trying to make sense of the current culture around supporting children's behaviour in school, behaviourism and the broader political context. 

If you'd like to speak to Sophie or participate in the research she's undertaking you can contacted through her twitter here or via email b1204649@student.bishopg.ac.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, 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 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 this edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak to Irina, she is a foster carer and an adoptive parent and lives in Australia. Irina shares her experience of becoming a foster carer then moving to Singapore where she also fostered then adopted her daughter with her husband. They now live back in Australia where they have continued to foster and have adopted a son. In this conversation Irina also reflects on the challenges faced by the fostering and adoption system in Australia and her broader views on the issues. 

You can connect with Irina on Linked in here  or Instagram 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 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 episode 183 of the Adoption and Fostering Podcast. We had a plan but got slightly sidetracked by the good news of FASD Ireland's funding success. That led us down a rabbit hole in terms of how do we affect change, what are the levers we need to pull and what are the challenges. We unpick that then Al has some feedback from CoramBAAF's post adoption conference and we run through that. 

We also check in with Al and get an update on his solo parenting experiment as well as the usual infobantz. There was swearing but nothing too bad, beware ye. 

Here's a link to the Family Routes study mentioned in the podcast 

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 to Better Me Better you Ep9 - As Children’s Mental Health Week falls within February, we thought we would discuss this year’s theme which is “My Voice Matters”. 

 

What do we already do to ensure we listen to the voice of the child and what could we do better?

Connect with us -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

 

In this episode we speak to Jenny Ginger in relation to her Phd looking at the issue of adopting when you've already got a biological child. 

It's a fascinating subject and we drew on Jenny's research and knowledge as well as a raft of interesting comments and questions that came from listeners though our FB page. You can read them here. 

We mentioned a new research project 'family routes' you can find more details of 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

Our third Better Me Better Us Podcast focuses on social media. We discuss various perspectives from telling ‘white lies’ so our children have access to platforms with an age limit, to posting photos of our children without consent. From an Adoption and Fostering perspective we discuss the challenges for both parents and professionals when children search for birth family members online and think about how we prepare and manage the potential risk associated with this. The virtual world has many advantages, but as with many other scenarios that we teach our children about , how do we prepare our children to navigate scenarios through their screens?

Connect with us -

Instagram- @BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – @BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

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.

Happy Pride Month!!

In this 13th episode we talk about big events for little people.  As usual we go up, down and all around with the topic covering events such as exams, endings (including the end of the school term), explaining big stories and how within that, us big people can help ourselves to help our young people.

Connect with us -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

Hello and welcome to this edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak to adult adoptee and birth mom to a child who was adopted Anne Peshka. Anne lives in Florida and share her story of being adopted, the experience of giving up one of her children to adoption and two stories of reunion. It’s a story that raises lots of questions and Anne is a remarkable woman in terms of her fortitude and resilience. 

You can visit Anne's website 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

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

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

In our final episode or our first Series of “FASD – What’s Da Craic?” Maggie, Rob and Scott are joined by FASD Ireland Founder and Chief Executive Officer – Tristan. As a team of 4 we have all had quite the year, not just with the inaugural series of the podcast, but with us all being involved in a range or events, workshops, political events to name a few.

We each review our favourite episodes of the series, and how it has lifted the lid on accessibility to information on FASD in Ireland.  We also discuss what we would like to see happening in 2024 – relating to FASD and FASD Ireland.

So what is next for “FASD – What’s Da Craic?” – We would love to record another series and would love to hear from YOU directly. What would you like to hear more about? Who would you like us to talk to? – let us know by emailing us:office@fasdireland.ie

 

From Maggie, Rob, Scott and Tristan, we would like to wish everyone a merry christmas and a happy new year / Ó Maggie, Rob, Scott agus Tristan, ba mhaith linn Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise a ghuí ar gach duine

Whilst “FASD – What’s da Craic?” is predominantly an Irish take on FASD, we try to make our language and experiences accessible to everyone. We have a mix of accents in there – something for all!

We welcome you to get in touch whether you have a question or would like to be a guest, you can search FASD Ireland across all social media platforms and DM us or email us: office@fasdireland.ie

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

Hello and welcome to conversations from the A and F podcast. 

In this episode I speak to Anthony about his experiences as a child entering the care system and his journey through foster care, residential care and semi independence. He’s really honest in terms of his responses to his lived experience and the help he received at various times. Anthony now campaigns for Revolving Door to improve youth justice and police responses to young people.  

You can connect and find out more about Anthony 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 or twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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 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 the A&F podcast. In this episode we unpick a few questions in relation to post adoption contact as well as think about how much scaffolding is too much and downsizing when your children get to 18. 

Here's a link for next Intro to NVR that we're holding on the 13th & 20th May. As it's online it's open to any persons from anywhere https://rb.gy/dx888x

Link for other workshops: www.fasdireland.ie/workshops - this includes an Introduction to FASD.

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 

We recorded this prior to the election results so there's limited election chatter. However, we do touch on it a little but more of our time is used to reflect on the recent article/blog on a court case relating to adoption revocation. The article can be read here , it is a delicate issue and we consider the implications for children, parents and families of the judgement or lack thereof. What do you think?

Al has recently been awarded a Churchill Fellowship and we unpick what that is and what he is looking at, read more here. 

Of course, there's also a fair deal of banter. 

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

In this episode we speak to Fi Henderson from the Scottish Adult Adoptee Movement (SAAM). She shares her experience of becoming a campaigner for #AdopteeRights and the work that she is part of and the legislation that SAAM are looking to effect in Scotland.    Fi is passionate about change and clear in terms of the support that is needed for adult adoptees and the changes that are needed across the system.    You can see more of their work on their FB page here. Or contact them via email here scottishaam@gmail.com    They are also delivering an online conference on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st  details below:   To learn more about the story of adoption, from those at the edge of historical findings and reserch, and how those with lived experiences are standing up for change at “Listen It’s Lifelong” 2 Day online event. This event is free and open to the all Book your tickets through Eventbrite to gain access to all the speakers over both days 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

 

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 conversations from the A&F Network. 

Last year Al attended the Adoption England Conference and met James Kargbo one of the founders of Replenish Culture CIC. Their vision is to support foster carers and adopters of black and mixed children to value, promote and celebrate them, their culture and identity. On a practical level that is through Replenish boxes but beyond that to use the boxes as a tool to discuss issues of race, racism, discrimination and promote positive views of the children's identity.

On this podcast we speak to James and his co founder Sarah Livingston about why they set it up but reflect on the more broader issues of race and ethnicity in the UK care system and the challenges of raising black and mixed heritage children in that context. You can visit their website 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  Conversations from the the A&F Network. 

In this episode I speak adult adoptee Courtney-Grace. She shares her experience of adoption and is frank in relation to the challenges she faced growing up and re entering the care system as a teenager. Courtney-Grace is honest and frank about the impact of her experiences and the challenges that she has navigated. 

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

We're back in the same room after a year online. Consequently, we're a little giddy but get ourselves on track and discuss the CVAA strategy update that we were attending in that London. We ask the question that many prospective adopters ask, RAA or VAA? Then we unpick adopter sufficiency, PP+, the three year rule and more. 

Here's a link to the new Adoption England Strategy that we mention, we'll unpick it more in another 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, 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 Adoption and Fostering Podcast. 

This episode is halfway between a conversation and a normal episode. I had the opportunity to speak to Bethan Pell Doctoral Researcher at Cardiff University. She’s looking Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA) in the context of Wales. It’s a fascinating study and Bethan explains the purpose of the research and how she hopes it will develop understanding in Wales of the issue and beyond as well as consider whose voices aren’t being heard. 

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 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 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 edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak to adult adoptee Stephen Rowley, he was adopted in the 1940s in the US and he shares some of his journey to rediscovering his birth family. Stephen in a Psychotherapist and he unpicked aspects of his internal journey and considers some philosophical questions in terms of identity. Stephen has a website here and you can find out more about him in his memoir - The Lost Coin: A Memoir of Adoption and Destiny

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 edition of conversations from the A&F network. 

In this episode I speak to adoptive parent Andrea. She is Austrian and shares her experience of approval and adoption through their system. There are few adoptions in Austria and the culture and practice are markedly different. Andrea explains some of the unique challenges faced as well as her move to raise understanding of Aware Parenting an attachment based parenting model.  

Here's some links to some resources shared by Andrea   "Herzenseltern“ a German speaking self-help group for adoptive parents with nearly monthly online meetings: https://www.herzens-eltern.at   To me and my work: https://andreakollmann.com/en/family   To the public Aware Parenting side: http://www.awareparenting.com

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 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

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 episode 190. In this episode weave together conversation with social worker and Guardian ad litem, Dónal Traynor,  about the the recently released TV programme "Lost Boys and Fairies", pride month and the recently released manifestos. We cover lots of ground and it's a conversation for adults so we've popped on an explicit rating.  

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

We re release the most downloaded episode of 2023.

Many thanks for all the listens. 

One of our contributors at the annual Adoption & Fostering Podcast Conference was Angela Frazer-Wicks, birth parent and chair of trustees at the Family Rights Group as well as a key note speaker and campaigner. She shares her experience of maintaining links with her children after their adoption, the challenges of an inconsistent system and professional support as well as navigating the feelings of all parties to the adoption. 

It is a fantastic insight to a world that can be opaque for professionals, adopters and adopted children and Angela was also able to answer some of the questions that attendees asked. 

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 or 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 and F network

In this episode I speak to Danny and Rianne foster carers featured in the recent channel four documentary ‘Kids’. 

Danny is a second generation foster carer and together they have fostered several children as well as raise their own family. We chat about their experience as well as getting an update on Byron one of the young people featured in the programme.  

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, 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

In this webcast we discuss the latest updates in the world of fostering and chat about FosterWiki’s latest independent survey. We cover a lot of ground and reference comments from our FB page here. Please follow and like to recieve notifications and info about what we're discussing and upcoming episodes. 

You can participate here in the FosterWiki survey here. 

We’d love to hear from any other carers or adopters from far flung lands so if that’s you please do 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

 

In this webcast Al speaks to Fiona Wells founder of Patch and author of 2023's Adoption Crisis report. We're chatting about the report and what conversations it's started as well as the upcoming 'safeguarding in Adoption' online conference planned for the 24th September. It's free and you can book a place 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 this episode of the Better Me Better Us Podcast with Vicki and Hayley.

In this months episode we talk about vulnerability. What does it mean to you? Is it a weakness or a sign of strength? 

Connect with them -

Instagram- BMBUltd

Facebook – Better Me Better Us

Twitter – BMBUltd

Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk

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

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 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. 

 

We're re releasing the most listened to podcasts of the year. In second place we have adoption social worker, Nick Burke

In this episode we're really happy to speak to Nick Burke a post adoption social worker. Nick speaks from a personal perspective across a range of issues that impact on adoption and social workers and it's fantastic to get a real live social worker on the podcast. We discuss a whole range of issues that are unique to adoption and post adoption support. 

The discussed BASW report can be found 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 or twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

 

In our final podcast spotlighting different aspects of the social care system in Ireland we look at fostering with Deirdre McDonagh and Daire Gilmartin from Five Rivers Fostering based across the whole country. We consider the legal framework as well as the culture around fostering that exists in Ireland. 

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 or twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google here

In this episode of the A&F conversations I speak to adoptive parent Alex. He is a member of the armed services and has recently adopted two children with his wife through the Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA). He shares their experience of the process, approval, matching and placement as well as reflecting the unique aspects of that being in the military. 

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 Facebook or twitter or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com

Listen/subscribe on iTunes here

Spotify here

Google 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