The Adoption and Fostering Podcast

Podcast Special - Sophie Parkinson, Behaviour Outreach Worker and PhD student.

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

Conversations - Ettienne and Scott, Adoptive Parents

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

Better Me Better Us Ep 7 -Christmas and Safeguarding

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

Episode 178 - Sally Donovan & Carly Kingswood

Hello and welcome to this episode of the Adoption and Fostering Podcast. this time we speak to authors Sally Donovan & Carly Kingswood about their new book 'The Unofficial Guide to Therapeutic Parenting for Childhood Aggression and Violence'.

To quote from the blurb 'With the aid of this guide, develop a language to enable children to understand their emotional states in a safe environment. Expertly written by award-winning author, columnist and adoptive parent Sally Donovan and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist Carly Kingswood; learn how to care for yourself and the children in your lives.'

So, we unpick that as well as find out a little more about the authors and have a general chit chat. 

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

 

Emergency Podcast with Helen Bonnick Defining Child to Parent Abuse

In a short episode we speak to Helen Bonnick about the Home Office's consultation into 'defining child to parent abuse.'

It's been a long time coming and she shares its genesis as well as the rationale behind looking to define it now and the potential benefits of doing so.

***Please Note: Helen mentioned money left over from research from Brighton but she would like to correct and confirm that it was money left over from Oxford***

Helen is friend of the show and we do indulge in some light banter.

You can participate in the 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

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