In this conversation, Colin discusses his extensive experience in residential childcare, emphasizing the importance of psychology in understanding and supporting children. He introduces the Pillars of Parenting model, which focuses on individual needs and relationships, and critiques current challenges in residential care. Colin also reflects on the future of care, government initiatives, and the necessity of trauma-informed approaches, advocating for a more individualised focus in childcare practices.

TakeawaysPsychology is essential in understanding children's needs.Individual focus is crucial in residential care settings.Building strong relationships with children leads to better outcomes.The Pillars of Parenting model emphasises care, attachment, and self-perception.Trauma-informed care must address individual experiences and needs.Positive attachments are vital for children's emotional development.Staff training should focus on recognising and addressing individual needs.Understanding a child's strengths can significantly impact their development.Creating a supportive environment is key to effective childcare.

.

Inthis episode I talk to a residential manager about his own experience ofworking across residential childcare both within Scotland and Ireland . Wecover topics such as using lived experience safely , qualifications , theimpact of historic abuse cases , the importance of using correct language, tacklingstigma  plus much more , so withoutfurther a do please welcome Jamie Long to the podcast

1. In this episode I talk to Adele Sutherland who is employed by Pebbles Care as a trainee psychologist . During our discussion we hear about Adeles journey from sessional residential childcare worker to trainee psychologist . We hear about Adeles view in respect of education levels of the workforce , her thoughts about the promise , challenges around planned and unplanned admissions, plus much more . It was great to hear about Adele's journey so far and think you will find this episode interesting so without further a do please welcome Adele Sutherland to the Podcast.

In this episode I talk to commissioning expert Marie Tucker . We cover lots of ground including a discussion about commissioning , the purpose of RCC & we also cover some of the challenges plus much more .

Consultant & trainer Steph Hunter talks to Joe Gibb about a range of topics connected to residential Childcare

In this interview I talk to Arlene Kyle who is director of Roots & Wings Social Care. We cover lots of ground starting off by hearing about Arlene's own journey into social care . We then consider the importance of a supportive environment & how support and supervision is important .

We also consider topics such as what the main challenges are for the sector and whether a place exists for profit making enterprises within residential childcare.

In this episode I talk to Shumela Ahmed who is managing director of the social enterprise 'Resilience Learning Partnership'.

We cover lots of ground & amongst other things we look at the importance of using lived experience ethically . We also talk about areas such as the continued roll out of the promise & the use of the residential child care sector in Scotland .

Please have a listen and share if you can.

Thank you to Shumela , I really enjoyed speaking with you.

In this episode I talk to Thomas Seisay who has started up a hairdressing training academy for care experienced people. We hear about what motivated Thomas to start the academy alongside hearing about some of the barriers that he has experienced along the way .

We also hear about Thomas's thoughts about barriers faced by care experienced people & what needs to be done to make society a more equitable one .

In this episode I speak with Professor Mark Smith , head of social work at Dundee University about his point of view about residential childcare in Scotland .

Themes discussed include:

The changing landscape of residential care

Positive developments in residential care

Challenges & misconceptions

The role of education & social pedagogy

plus much more ...