The Adoption and Fostering Podcast

Conversations - Katherine & Julie from SASSI (Solo Adopters Social, Support and Information)

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

Episode 5 of FASD - What’s da Craic? Foster Carer Frank

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

 

Episode 177 - Ellie Costello from Square Peg talking school attendance.

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

 

Episode 176 - Scottish Adult Adoptee Movement - Fi Henderson

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

 

Better Me Better Us: Ep6 - Winter Season

As we move into winter Vicki and Haley reflect on what this time of year might mean to different people with different experiences.

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

 

Conversations - Rianne and Danny

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

Wednesday Webcast - Sarah Anderson from FosterWiki

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

Conversations - Adoptive Parent Alex

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

 

 

 

Podcast Special - Fostering in Ireland

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

Episode 175 - An interview with Psychosexual Therapist Lisa Etherson

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