Voices of Fostering brought to you by National Fostering Group. Everyone’s life takes a different path. As children and young people decisions can be made for us that shape our lives forever – whether for good or bad. As adults, we have the opportunity to make our own choices. And what we choose can have a positive impact on us and the world around us. Particularly if one of those choices is fostering. When you listen to the stories of children and young people whose lives have been touched ...
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The Hackney Foster Carers' Council Podcast explores the way the Care System treats foster carers and what this means for the national crisis in recruitment and retention.
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Podcast by The Fostering Network
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Talking Together, Learning Together, Growing Together... with your children. IIn our busy lives, finding the time and the right words to talk with our children about their learning is trickier than you might think. Children these days can struggle to know what to say when you ask them about their day. Often, this is down to us asking the wrong questions in the wrong way. The solution is simple - but subtle and – it is always to hand, in fact it is at your FingerTIps Talking together... is ju ...
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This podcast is being brought to you by the Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma and we are committed to providing people living and working with child trauma with proven strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for families.
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We are a group of Independent Fostering Agencies; Time For Children, Fostering Options, Foster Care Solutions and Futures For Children, We were built by those who know fostering best and are here to talk about all things 'foster care'; from the moments that test us to the ones that truly amaze us. Take a seat, pop the kettle on and join us for a quick chat.
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This podcast is dedicated to talking to experts and others about all aspects of death and dying. You know, that thing we don't really want to talk about! As a hospice carer and former psychiatric nurse as well as writer and former Theatre director, I invite guests to talk about their roles in and what to expect in the last four weeks of life. What happens to the person dying, what help is there, what to do before and after the event. Many of the families we go in to see have one thing in com ...
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Our podcast series is dedicated to exploring topics related to adoption, fostering and kinship care. We invite children’s social care professionals and experts by experience to join us to share best practices, their experiences and knowledge.
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Adoption & Fostering journal #14 | Outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents
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48:27Research has shown that group-based interventions grounded in attachment theory can help carers better understand the emotional needs of children in care and develop strategies to manage challenging behaviours. However, despite their promise, there is still limited high-quality evidence on how effective these attachment-focused group programs truly…
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Meet the Guardian Angel for Your End-of-Life Planning
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32:15Send us a text Death may be the ultimate truth serum, but most of us avoid discussing it until we absolutely must. In this deeply insightful conversation with professional fiduciary Sarah Eklein, we explore why end-of-life planning isn't just about legal documents—it's about creating what she beautifully calls "a legacy of love, not a mess." Sarah …
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Sir John Timpson on Family Values Shape a Business Empire and 90 Foster Children
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37:52Send us a text Discover the remarkable journey of Sir John Timpson, who transformed both his family's historic business and countless lives through revolutionary management practices and profound personal commitment to fostering children. From the humble beginnings of a shoe shop in 1865, Sir John shares how Timpson evolved into a service empire bu…
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'Talking Together...' Seeing what makes them Shine
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29:42
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29:42By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Barney, a foster carer of 16 years. Barney shares his inspirational journey from being a solo carer to fostering alongside his husband. He discusses his background, the influence of his parents who also fostered, and his transition from being cabin crew to a fulfilling life in …
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From Hurricane to Home: How Fostering Changed Our Family Forever
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7:08Send us a text A family transformed by fostering shares their raw, honest journey of opening their home to two young children from backgrounds of neglect. After a year of fostering two siblings who arrived unable to use cutlery, without proper clothing, and never having experienced boundaries, this family reveals the beautiful transformation they'v…
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Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Tim, a dedicated support worker from the National Fostering Group. Tim shares insights about his role, the challenges faced by foster children, the importance of building trust, and the immense support network available to foster carers. Tim also addresses common misconceptions…
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Send us a text In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Helen interviews Fiza, a dedicated foster carer for over 10 years. Fiza shares her journey from discovering the concept of fostering to fostering with her husband and birth children. She discusses the influence of her neighbour in her decision to foster and how fostering has impacted her fami…
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Pajama Philosophy: How Three Sisters Define Compassion.
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9:36Send us a text Join me for the very first silly, experimental episode of everything EOL. It's a bit fun the girls and I recorded at Xmas to test the equipment and explore the concept of Compassion. What does compassion truly look like in our everyday lives? Drawing the curtains back on my own family dynamics, this heartfelt conversation with my thr…
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Garreth and Maya - A Daughters Perspective
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15:06Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Garreth and his daughter Maya share their personal experiences and insights from 14 years of being a fostering family. They discuss the challenges and rewards of fostering, including the emotional aspects of letting go of foster children, the benefits of fostering on birth children, and the rol…
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When Strangers Become Family: How Compassionate Communities Transform Lives
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33:04Send us a text From isolation to belonging, this heartfelt conversation with Jill Wilkinson reveals the transformative power of compassionate communities. After relocating to Colchester nine years ago, Jill found herself trapped in a cycle of anxiety and loneliness until a chance encounter with local mental health advocate Shawn Leek's walking grou…
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Adoption & Fostering journal #13 | Vol.49 Issue 1 introduction with Dr Dennis Golm and Vicky Walker
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21:05The March issue (Volume 49 Issue 1) of the Adoption & Fosteringjournal is out now and free for CoramBAAF members to access. Dr Dennis Golm and Vicky Walker talk us through the articles and themes in this issue. In this episode, we explore the critical question posed by Editor-in-Chief Dennis Golm in the latest edition of Adoption & Fostering – just…
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Embracing Life Through Cancer and Caregiving: Tracy Britten's Journey
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36:17Send us a text When Tracy Britten rushed home from her 50th birthday retreat to find her mother had just been discharged from hospital during COVID lockdowns, she had no idea how profoundly this experience would reshape her life. Sitting amidst the tranquil surroundings of Earl's Cone allotments, Tracy shares the raw reality of caring for her dying…
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'Talking Together...' AUTISM - Thinking Differently
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36:09By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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'Talking Together...' Movement Matters! Movement Works!
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30:34By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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Send us a text In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' we are joined by Lucy, a dedicated foster carer who shares her unique journey from growing up in a fostering family to becoming a foster parent herself. Lucy talks about the natural progression into fostering, the emotional highs and lows, and the immense support from her family. Learn about …
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The Personal Freedom to Choose a Dignified End
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48:38Send us a text The right to die with dignity stands as one of the most profound ethical questions of our time. Nathan Stilwell, Campaigns Manager for grassroots organization My Death, My Decision, guides us through the complexities of the Assisted Dying Bill currently making its way through Parliament – legislation that could fundamentally transfor…
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Send us a text Join us as host Helen sits down with Sue, a dedicated foster carer with nearly two decades of experience. Sue shares her deeply personal reasons for embarking on this journey, the challenges she has faced, and the immense joy she feels when seeing the young people in her care succeed and thrive. Despite being a lone foster carer, Sue…
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Ben and Jasmine - Supporting Carers and Children
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13:58Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen hosts a discussion with Ben and Jasmine, supervising social workers from National Fostering Group. They delve into the unique role of supervising social workers and how they support foster carers, emphasising the importance of long-term relationships and stability. Ben and Jasmine also sh…
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Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen interviews Manda, an experienced foster carer. Manda shares her eight-year journey of fostering, beginning with her initial motivations and the transition from her career in accounting. She recounts her first foster children, two Iraqi brothers, and the unique challenges and learning expe…
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Episode 39 | Encouraging adoption in Black African and Caribbean communities
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31:57Adoption rates vary significantly across different ethnic groups, with Black Caribbean and Black African children facing disproportionately longer waiting times. According to the Government’s Ending Racial Disparity report (2022), Black Caribbean children wait an average of 30 months for adoption, while Black African children wait 33 months—compare…
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The forgotten teenagers battling cancer need our help now more than ever.
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45:08Send us a text At the heart of the healthcare system lies a forgotten generation - teenagers and young adults with cancer who fall into the gap between paediatric and adult services. Richard and Nikki Bowdidge know this painful reality all too well. After losing their son Tom to a rare and aggressive cancer in 2013, they transformed their grief int…
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Send us a text In this heartfelt episode host Helen chats with Darren, a dedicated foster carer of 13 years. Darren discusses his journey into fostering with his husband, driven by the desire to make a significant impact on fewer individuals rather than a minimal impact on many. He shares the challenges they faced, particularly the acceptance as a …
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Discovering the Healing Power of Compassionate Care with Carrie Doyle
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35:11Send us a text Dive into an insightful and heartfelt discussion as we explore the rich tapestry of end-of-life care with Carrie Doyle, a dedicated soul midwife. Her journey is not only a testament to resilience following personal loss but also an enlightening look at how our experiences shape our callings. Carrie shares profound insights into the r…
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'Talking Together...' Time Out... or Time In?
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42:08By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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Jo-Anne - From a Childhood Dream to Fostering Reality
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19:32Send us a text In this touching episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen chats with Jo-Anne, a passionate foster carer, about her inspiring journey. Jo-Anne shares how her dream of fostering began at the age of nine, influenced by her cousin who was also a foster carer. Jo-Anne and her husband, they decided to pursue fostering during the COVID lo…
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Maxine Last: Embracing End-of-Life Care, Empowering Conversations, and Fostering Compassionate Change
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41:35Send us a text After a profound encounter with death as a live-in carer, Maxine Last found her calling in end-of-life care. Join us as Maxine, a Clinical Project Lead at Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, shares her transformative journey and insights into the differences between palliative and end-of-life care. Together, we unravel the emot…
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Shawn Leek: Running Through Struggles, Redefining Mental Health, and Building Empathetic Communities
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42:13
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42:13Send us a text What happens when a professional golfer trades in his clubs for a pair of running shoes? Meet Shawn Leek, the Mental Health Runner, who found his freedom on the open road. Sean's story is one of transformation, fuelled by personal battles with self-esteem and a relentless quest for fulfilment. Through candid storytelling, Shawn share…
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Khaira - Growing Up in a Fostering Family
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19:58Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Khaira, who shares her heartfelt and insightful experiences as a birth child in a fostering family. Khaira recounts her journey from being a 12-year-old excited about her family becoming a fostering family to today, reflecting on how this unique upbringing shaped her character, value…
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Hannah - Understanding Educational Support in Fostering
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14:05Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Hannah, SENCO and Educational Lead at National Fostering Group. She discusses her multifaceted role in providing educational support to foster carers and young people in care. Hannah shares insights on everything from managing educational challenges across different age groups to her…
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Adoption & Fostering journal #12 | Child to parent violence and aggression with Dr Morvwen Duncan and Hetty Verhagen
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35:23Dr Dennis Golm hosts a conversation between Morvwen Duncan and Hetty Verhagen about child to parent violence and aggression. They combine their research, practice and experiences of working with children and their families to explore the topic. Dr Morvwen Duncan is a Principal Clinical Psychologist and researcher, currently working across the NHS i…
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Maria Bailey: Navigating Grief, Empowering Choices, and Transforming Loss into Healing
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29:25Send us a text This episode explores the profound and often unspoken world of grief, featuring Maria Bailey, a grief resolution specialist who shares her personal journey and insights gained from helping others navigate loss. By breaking down myths surrounding grief and discussing practical support resources, this conversation aims to change how we…
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Travis - Moving from the Corporate world to Fostering!
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21:19Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Travis, a dedicated foster carer for nearly a decade. Travis shares his transformational journey from a monotonous corporate job to providing a loving and nurturing environment for children and teenagers in foster care. Hear about the emotional and rewarding experiences he's ha…
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A Candid Exploration of Life’s Final Chapter with Becky Ricks
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42:18Send us a text This episode takes a deep dive into end-of-life care, exploring the unique challenges faced by both patients and families during the last four weeks of life. We discuss markers indicating the dying process, the role of compassionate communication, available support services, and the emotional aspects of caregiving. • Understanding th…
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Talking Together Tuesday: Resolutions to Sustainable Solutions
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45:40By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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Send us a text Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we talk with Amy, a foster carer with over 11 years of experience. Amy shares her inspiring journey into fostering, influenced by her family members Celia and Terry. She provides deep insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering, from turning around the lives of children and …
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Send us a text We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stories of our foster carers in our Voices of Fostering podcast, and in this episode, we take you through a day in the life of a foster carer! Host Helen sits down with Corrina, a primary school teacher who, alongside her husband, began fostering during the pandemic. They are now providing long-…
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Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Nazia, a dedicated foster carer and former social worker. Nazia shares her passionate journey about what led her to foster after 22 years in social work and her invaluable experiences as a foster carer. From helping children in school to managing the complex needs…
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Adoption & Fostering journal #11 | Vol.48 Issue 3 introduction with Dr Dennis Golm and Vicky Walker
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27:15Dr Dennis Golm (Journal Editor) and Vicky Walker (Production Editor) introduce Volume 48 Issue 3-4 of our 'Adoption & Fostering' journal. The final instalment of Volume 48 is a bumper issue, containing eight research articles. Wellbeing, adolescence and the role of the government are key themes in this edition. For more information about the journa…
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Sarah - The Journey and Role of a Carer Recruitment Officer!
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26:29Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen interviews Sarah, a Carer Recruitment Officer, to shed light on the process of becoming a foster carer. Sarah explains her role in guiding applicants through the four-to-six-month journey, from initial contact to approval by a panel. She discusses common misconceptions about fostering, th…
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Lisa - I grew up in a fostering family, now I work in fostering!
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28:54
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28:54Send us a text In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Lisa shares her experiences working within National Fostering Group and her personal journey growing up in a fostering family. Lisa talks about her role as the Referral Hub Manager in Scotland, the qualities that make a great foster carer, and the significance of supporting birth children inv…
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Theresa - My daughter encouraged me to foster!
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26:13Send us a text Join us on this episode of Voices of Fostering as we chat with Theresa, a dedicated foster carer for over 17 years. Theresa shares her inspirational journey from managing a nursery to becoming a foster carer after the loss of her husband. She recounts her initial apprehensions, the challenges she faced, and the deep connections she f…
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Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we chat with Rachel, a carer recruitment officer from National Fostering Group. Rachel shares her unique story, starting from her life on an RAF base to becoming a foster parent and eventually adopting a child. She discusses the supportive environment of the RAF camp, the decision to foster, an…
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Talking Together Tuesday: Anticipation, Behaviour, Christmas
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30:13By Ali McClure Education and Parenting
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Adoption & Fostering journal #10 | Vol.48 Issue 2 introduction with Dr Dennis Golm and Jo Francis
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21:16Dr Dennis Golm (Journal Editor) and Jo Francis (Publications Manager) introduce Volume 48 Issue 2 of our Adoption & Fostering journal. They talk us through Dennis' editorial about ‘Breaking the taboo: Let’s talk about child-to-parent violence’, and talk us through each article in this issue. For more information about the journal or the table of co…
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Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with Hilary, a dedicated foster carer, to discuss her and her husband Pierre's decade-long journey in fostering. Hilary shares heartfelt stories about their experiences with over 20 children, the challenges and therapeutic aspects of the assessment process, and the support …
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Season One Reflection with Diane Benjamin and Maria Takaendisa
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39:14Diane Benjamin - Director of Children's Social Care in Hackney Maria Takaendisa - Anti-Racist Practice Trainer In this bonus episode, Diane, Maria, and I reflect on how Children's Social Care in Hackney has received the podcast, our commitment to working more collaboratively, and the challenge of balancing safeguarding structures with respect for f…
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Stefanie - The importance of self-care for foster carers
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20:39Send us a text In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with supervising social worker Stefanie to discuss the vital topic of self-care for foster carers. Stefanie shares her background and journey into social work, the role of a social worker within fostering, and delves deeply into the concept of carer fatigue and compassion f…
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Send us a text In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Ruth, a dedicated foster carer for 15 months, shares her inspiring journey into fostering. A former teacher and mother of three, Ruth always aspired to foster but only began the process after reconnecting with a friend who was also a foster carer. Ruth discusses the rigorous yet necessary ass…
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Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, we hear the incredible story of Joan, who was placed in foster care shortly after her birth. Joan shares insights into her upbringing with a caring foster mother, the challenges she faced after her foster mother's passing, and the eventual blessing of being taken in by her foster moth…
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