This conversation delves into the critical issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE), focusing on its definitions, the grooming process, and the vulnerabilities that young people face. The Magdalen Group discusses the various projects aimed at preventing exploitation and supporting victims. We talk about the complexities of consent, the role of technology in exploitation, and the need for proactive measures to safeguard young people. It concludes with a call for awareness, education, and the importance of using appropriate language when discussing these sensitive topics.

A practical, plain-English guide to safeguarding children with disabilities in foster care, especially where health needs are complex (tracheostomy, feeding tubes, epilepsy, Down syndrome). You’ll get clear actions you can use tonight: the paperwork and plans you must have, everyday safeguarding habits, communication and consent, intimate care, tracheostomy and enteral-feeding safety, safe medicines practice, inclusion and reasonable adjustments, and when/how to escalate (SSW, MASH, LADO, 999). Includes a simple 12-step recap to keep in your head 

This is Jade's story – one young person’s experience of being under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). It’s her story and her experience. Her words give us a window into what it’s really like – the stuff that doesn’t always get written down in reports or covered in training. And while her experience won’t be the same as everyone else’s, it’s important we listen. This is in partnership with a podcast recorded for us by Tracy sharing her experience as a Foster Carer around SGO's.

If you’ve got a teenager in care nearing 18, you might be feeling a mix of pride, worry, and “where did the time go?!” For foster carers in England, one big question looms: what happens when they turn 18? In the past, care leavers often had to move out on their 18th birthday, but nowadays we have the Staying Put option – a way for our young people to continue living with us into adulthood. Here, we will expand on Sue's thoughts and talk about the realities of fostering under a Staying Put arrangement. So let’s talk through what Staying Put really means, how it differs from other paths like Shared Lives or independent living, and how we can make this transition smoother for everyone.