In this episode, we dive into the pressing question: "Can Youth Participation Avoid Tokenism?" With a blend of personal stories and professional insights, Luke and Karylle share their lived experiences and effective strategies to authentically involve young people.

Drawing from their diverse backgrounds spanning lived experience and professional practices, the hosts shed light on the challenges of tokenism in youth engagement. Through engaging anecdotes, they reveal how tokenism can hinder progress and sideline genuine voices.

However, the episode goes beyond identifying issues. Luke and Karylle provide actionable tips to shift from tokenistic gestures to meaningful involvement. From co-creation approaches to fostering open and safe dialogues, they offer practical methods to reshape the way youth participation is approached.

Tune in now as Luke and Karylle uncover insights that resonate with anyone passionate about authentic youth engagement. Gain valuable perspectives on empowering young voices and driving positive change.

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In this episode, we explore the complex world of social work relationships and the reasons why children often experience changes in their social workers.

Luke shares a poignant personal story of his own experience as a looked-after child and how his first social worker's departure left a lasting impression.

The hosts explore the various factors that lead to social worker changes, such as organisational restructures and job turnover, and how these shifts can impact the stability and permanence that young people in care desperately need.

They also discuss the challenges social workers face in balancing the pursuit of stability with the reality of a fragile and ever-changing system.

Tune in to discover the importance of radical honesty in building relationships with young people, acknowledging the inherent instability within the system, and creating a space where genuine connections can flourish.

Join Luke and Karylle in this thought-provoking conversation that highlights the need for open discussions about endings and the evolving role of social workers in today's ever-changing landscape.

Note: This episode is a part of a series that aims to shed light on critical issues within the children social care profession and the lives of those involved in the care system.

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In this episode as we delve into the crucial topic of care-experienced young people and their involvement in crime and exploitation. 

Our hosts examine the reasons behind increased criminal behaviour, the importance of meaningful activities, and the need to challenge stereotypes. 

Gain valuable insights and personal anecdotes as we explore the challenges faced by care experienced young people  and the urgent need for change. 

Don't miss this enlightening discussion that aims to reshape the narrative and create a brighter future for all.

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In this episode we explore the realities of leaving care and the challenges of becoming independent overnight. Our hosts Luke Rodgers, Karylle Phillips, lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, founder of Madlug, come together to share their insights on this important topic.

We delve into the struggles faced by young people transitioning out of care and into adulthood. We discuss the shortcomings of the current system and the need for a more holistic approach to support these individuals. While budgeting is essential, the speakers argue that young people need more significant adults in their lives to provide a network of support.

Our hosts also highlight the importance of community and how leaving care can be a traumatic experience. They share their own experiences of feeling trapped and the need for a more compassionate approach to caring for young people who have experienced trauma.

If you are someone who has left care or you work with young people who are leaving care, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore the reality of leaving care and the support needed to help these individuals transition into successful, independent adults.

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In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug, the focus is on how to effectively communicate with teenagers. 

The discussion centers around the fact that teenagers in care often present a particular challenge, and many adults struggle to connect with them. We delve into the reasons behind this and explore the ways in which adults can engage with young people to foster better communication. 

We discuss the importance of recognising the history and trauma that many of these teenagers have experienced, and how this impacts their behaviour and communication. We also talk about the common triggers that adults experience when communicating with teenagers, and how these can be overcome. 

The episode is titled "Communication: How to Get Teenagers to Talk Back to You" and aims to provide insights and strategies for anyone working with young people, particularly those in care, to improve communication and build stronger relationships.

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In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug. 

Together, they discuss the real-life experiences of moving from one foster care placement to another, the challenges that come with this process, and what it truly means to find permanency.

Through their personal stories and expertise, Luke, Karylle, and Dave shed light on the difficulties young people face when transitioning between foster homes and the impact it can have on their lives. They explore the importance of stability and security for young people in care, and how we can better support them during these transitions.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we learn about the realities of foster care transitions and how we can all work towards a better future for children and young people in care.

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Ric Flo is a lived experience leader, rapper, and founder of Mantra Music, the world’s first record label exclusively for care-experienced artists.

For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, Luke Rodgers BEM, founder of The Care Leaders, chatted to Ric to learn more about his background, his passion for music, and how he’s supporting talented care-experienced young people through his work.

To find out more about Ric and Mantra Music, visit the website. You can also email them directly at [email protected]

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When young people enter care, it can seem like the system takes a young person’s identity and gives them a new one, projecting them into a confusing world with new terminologies and often leaving them with little understanding of what’s happening. Systems are set up to safeguard children, which can sometimes leave families in cycles of trauma and negative family dynamics. Services become overwhelmed with the increasing numbers of young people entering care and become more stretched. Children feel confused and lost in the system; parents are hurt and often frightened, whilst practitioners are under pressure to ensure all young people are safe. Families deserve to be supported and children have a right to understand what’s happening to them.

In our latest latest episode, The Care Leaders, together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, discuss the lived experiences of entering care and the breakdown in communications that can leave young people misunderstanding the real reason they entered care. 

To learn more about Entering care - The real reasons children come into care click here https://thecareleaders.com/courses/entering-care-the-real-reasons-children-enter-care/

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In children’s social care, systems are often set up to ‘manage’ the behaviour children and young people display, rather than helping us to understand the reasons behind their behaviour and what it communicates. In our latest episode, The Care Leaders, together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, discuss supportive foster carers, recognising triggers, and the importance of trust without conditions.

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