In this episode we catch up with a few responses to the Security of State's recent comments during #NAW. A few social workers got in touch and we consider their views, we also look at the ADCS's response. From there we also consider what assessments look like the challenges for practitioners, the National Minimum Standards and the impact of power dynamics. Of course there's the usual #Infobanter. 

Here's the podcast email if you want to get in touch or offer your thoughts [email protected]

Or you can contact the podcast through the usual routes and if you'd like to find out a little more the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's Facebook page is here, or our twitter feed here.

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In this episode Phil share his family's journey from deciding to become foster carers to moving into adoption. It's not been without it's challenges but Phil's enthusiasm and passion is clear as he share his family's story. 

As always, it Phil's story and we've purposely focused on that so the episode reflects his experience. If you'd like to share your experience and perspective on adoption, from any position, please get in touch through our Facebook page, Twitter feed or email [email protected] 

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In this Episode we welcome the CEO of Adoption UK Sue Armstrong Brown. We had invited her on a while back and it was arranged for this week, little did we know what a news rich week it would be with the announcement from Gavin Williamson set in the context of research released on RAAs as well as the quarterly date for adoption in 19/20. We did start with chat about AUK’s Adoption Barometer that built on last year’s and produced some hard data that can be used as a lobbying tool. 

We also chatted about representation at the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board as well as the role and function of the board in the landscape. As always there was some banter and stretching of metaphors beyond breaking point.  We also discussed Scott and Al’s letter to the New Chair.

As always your views and thoughts are appreciated, you can contact the podcast through the usual routes and if you'd like to find out a little more the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's Facebook page is here, or our twitter feed here.

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On the eve of National Adoption Week we have a very short chat about that and the imminent arrival of the new chair of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board. 

We then move onto the main focus which is a conversation with Clare Laxton from Pause. They work supporting birth mothers who have had their children removed by the state and are considered to be at risk of repeating that. Leading up to the chat we'd asked for lots of questions from Twitter and Facebook and we raised some of the points that had been shared with us. Within some circles they are controversial and we tired to reflect that in the discussions. 

As always your views and thoughts are appreciated, you can contact the podcast through the usual routes and if you'd like to find out a little more the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's Facebook page is here, or our twitter feed here.

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In this weeks episode we reflect across a few issues that have been floating around the adoption world. We unpick Adoption UK's "Adoption Barometer" and look at some of the headline issues raised in it. We also chat a little more in relation to social work practitioners views on the #YouCanAdopt campaign as well as some stuff that we’ve been doing in relation to that. Al Reflects on this recent NVR training and we discuss the upcoming inaugural National Conference that we’ve scheduled in for the 20th November. We also chat through some of the upcoming podcast stuff that we’re hoping to do. 

As always your views and thoughts are appreciated, you can contact the podcast through the usual routes and if you'd like to find out a little more the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's Facebook page is here, or our twitter feed here.

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In this, the last of our Wednesday Webcasts on race and racism, we speak to Susan Cousins and she shares her experience, views and insights to the impact of transracial and trans national adoption. 

You can follow Susan here on twitter and access her book here

This week we chat about the ever so trick issue of adoption introductions. It's a defining moment for many adopters as they meet their children for the first time and begin their lives together and it is also the end of a foster carers journey of care. Where two contrasting experience meet we have children who are trying to make sense of all of this. Ema has navigated intros several times and we draw on her perspective and wisdom as well as share our own experiences. 

However, before we get to that we snag ourselves on the #YouCanAdopt publicity that is prevelant at the moment and speak in unfettered terms (Scott) and guarded bland terms (Al). 

As always your views and thoughts are appreciated, you can contact the podcast through the usual routes and if you'd like to find out a little more the Adoption & Fostering Podcast's Facebook page is here, or our twitter feed here.

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On this week's episode we speak  adoptive parent Laura and she shares some of the challenges that she faced, with her husband, as they sought to be approved as adopters. She also shares their experience of introductions and becoming a parent. 

If you’ve a story of care or adoption and would like to share your perspective or experience then please do direct message us at our twitter feed here or on our facebook page here.

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