The Adoption and Fostering Podcast

Adopter Stories - #10 Rosie

In this episode of Adopters Stories Rosie tells her story of supporting her mother and her husband as they adopted three children. Its a hard story to hear and challenges the normal adoption narrative. The experience has had a pivotal impact on her career choices and subsequent life. 

If you'd like to share your story then please get in touch through the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's facebook page here, or our twitter feed here.

 

 

Episode 56 - Prof Beth Neil (Adopted Parents Study)

In this episode Al speaks to Prof Beth Neil about upcoming research that the University of East Anglia are undertaking into the experiences of adoptees becoming parents and adopters becoming grandparents. The study aims to

- to provide a new understanding of the lived experiences and needs of adopted people who are now parents, and of adoptive parents who are now grandparents.

- to use these insights to inform the support of adopted children & young people, adopted adults, and the children of adopted adults.

- to inform future developments in adoption policy and practice.

If you would be interested in taking part or would like to ask more questions then the link to the website is here.

Needless to say Beth is more than happy to discuss a little bit about contact as well. 

As always there's banter and flippery from da boyz and Al chats about his experience on a three day NVR (Non Violent Resistance) Training and more thoughts on the intervention. 

 

 

 

Adopter Stories - #9 Alex

In this episode Alex shares her journey from approval as a specialist foster carer to then going on to adopt the little boy she cared for. Like many journeys Alex shares some of the unexpected, but welcome, turns and some of the challenges and joys that she's experienced.  

If you'd like to share your story then please get in touch through the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's facebook page here, or our twitter feed here.

Episode 55 - Julie Samuels, Digital Adoption Challenges

Firstly we attempt a new intro, you can be the judge of its success. Then in this episode Al speaks to Julie Samuels adopter, researcher and author of Adoption in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges for the 21st Century. We consider the impact on families of the new connectivity, digital image search, contact, life story and more. 

Scott and Al pick the issues up and reflect on some of the challenges across social media for all people touched by adoption as well as some of the recent fracas on twitter. 

There was a lot to cover this week including, the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill, Twitter feedback, RAA concerns, Scotts plans for a walk as well as getting somewhat distracted by Scott's wedding and concerns over how tall Al actually is.

As always, thanks for listening, tell your friends, steal your spouses phone and subscribe them take the kids to the phone shops and subscribe the phones for fun.

While you're on head over to the Podcast's Facebook Page and see the picture of the wedding outfit! While you're there press like. 

 

Foster Carer Stories #4 Sylvia

In this episode we cross the Atlantic and speak to Sylvia, author, retired teacher and foster carer. She shares her story of choosing foster care later in life as well as her writing stories for children and her path to towards adoption. 

You can follow Sylvia on Twitter here and view her 'foster heros' books here. 

Foster Carer stories is a place where foster carers can share their experiences, good, bad and everything in between with no agenda or filter.

If you'd like to share your story then please get in touch through the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's facebook page here, or our twitter feed here.

Episode 54 - Autism and Fostered and Adopted Children

Before Christmas we had the opportunity to speak to Dr Helen Rodwell and Dr Katie Hunt about a book that they'd just released on Autism and specifically the challenges that presents to children that are fostered or adopted. (The book can be bought here). It was an interesting chat that clarified some stuff and we considered some of the more challenging issues that parents and carers may experience in caring for the children. We also discussed the nuances of autism, diagnosis and formulations. The clocks chimed and it was a good natured discussion recorded on the evening of the commons no confidence vote in December. There's a little internet trouble but it's very brief so don't fret.

As always, Scott and I engage in light banter as we top and tail the interview and we've been given a book to give away, actually its the second we were given (long story) so there's a very hard competition to win it.

As always thanks for listening and if you're feeling benevolent or bored please head over to iTunes and leave a little review here . 

Adopter Stories - #8 Adrian

In this episode we travel to the West Coast of the US and speak to birth mom, parent and adoptive parent Adrian. She shares her family's remarkable story of multiple adoptions from different sides of the triangle. 

You can find out more of Adrian's story on her blog here. Also, on her Facebook page here.

If you'd like to share your story then please get in touch through the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's facebook page here, or our twitter feed here.

Episode 53 - Xmas Special with Suddenly Mummy plus Special Guest

So here is is merry Christmas and everybody's having fun. Actually, it is fun. In this episode we are pleased to welcome Becky, AKA Suddenly Mummy, to help us reflect on the year. 

We talk blogging, or the lack thereof, some of the campaigns around education and some of our individual highlights of the year. It's a lighthearted look at all that's happened and as we look to the future it's only just begun (sorry). 

We indulge in a new and improved end of year quiz: Memoir or Made Up? and there's only limited mention of bourbons. A dog barks and Tris makes a brief appearance. 

All good fun. 

Thank you for listening over the year, we aim to bring some light relief, a few helpful thoughts and a little bit of challenged. If we did then a wee review on iTunes here would be appreciated. 

Adopter Stories - #7 Brie

In this episode Brie shares her story of experiencing post adoption depression following a little boy being adopted by her and her husband. 

Brie's blog, The Colours of Adoption, has more details of her experiences and offers guidance on where to access support. You can also follow her on Twitter @colour_adoption

If you'd like to share your story then please get in touch through the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's facebook page here, or our twitter feed here.

Episode 52 - An interview with Safeguarding Survivor

In this episode Al interviews Annie (AKA Safeguarding Survivor ), she shares her first had experience of living through the foster care system and then becoming involved as a parent. Annie reflects on the challenges that her family has faced and how the system has responded to that. It's an honest and balanced conversation that gives a view into a world that is rarely opened up. 

Scott and Al engage in a their usual chatter as well and talk about houses, Giff Gaff (again) amongst other stuff.