Conversations - Matthew Page

We did 10 years and are still talking, in lots of senses. In this episode we start with an attempt at role play as we unpack Adoption Week's two problems, a crisis in recruitment and a crisis in support. Scott wasn't too keen on that but we look at where we came from and how we got here. We also look to the future of the podcast and are keen to hear what listeners think so click the link and let us know!

Hello and welcome to conversations from the AandF podcast. This is a slightly different episode I speak to Professor of Social Work Adam McCormick from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. We chat about Social work, social workers, aspects of the foster care system and the nature of the system in the state. We also consider the motivations of social workers to join the profession and see how their life experiences impact on them and their work. We also chat about the challenges faced by LGBTQ young people in foster care and the systemic hostility they face. You can see more of Adam 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 [email protected]

We asked Michelle back on to give us a 'state of the nation' report on Kinship care. The Government are developing and moving policy in this area and it's seen changes and promises of change but how is it really for kinship carers and what are the ongoing challenges. Michelle did come on the podcast in 2022 (Al was wrong) and we reflect on some of the changes since then and more besides. 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 [email protected]

This month we explore A.I. : the benefits, the pitfalls, and its role in social work assessments and recordings. Children who have experienced trauma heal through safe, attuned relationships, and no tool can replace human connection. We also talk about learning alongside our children in a fast-changing digital world, building the trust and openness that help keep them safe. As always you can connect with us through the following - Website- www.bettermebetterus.co.uk Instagram- @BMBUltd Facebook – Better Me Better Us Email – [email protected]

Hello and welcome to conversations from the AandF podcast. In this episode I speak to Adoptive parent and foster carer Della, she is Canadian and in this episode she shares her experience of adoption and more specifically of challenges she faced following an allegation as she tried to adopt a child she was fostering. Della fought her battle through the legal system and she tells that story 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 [email protected]