The Adoption and Fostering Podcast
Al Coates & Scott Casson-Rennie

Latest episode
200 episodes
- Hello and Welcome to the A&F podcast.
This week we've asked Mark Owers to come onto the podcast to talk all things fostering in light of the DfE's released consultation and changes to the national fostering standards.
We cover a broad range of topics relating to fostering including reframing practice around carer's voices and experience, stewardship, recruitment and more.
You can complete the consultation here.
Here is a link to Mark's LinkedIn profile where you can read more of his insights and perspectives.
As always if you’ve experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com - In this episode we explore what it means to change. Is change a natural part of growing up, or is it sometimes a response to the need to survive? We discuss identity, resilience, and whether having a secure base makes change feel more like a choice.
As always you can connect with us through the following -
Website- www.bettermebetterus.co.uk
Instagram- BMBUltd
Facebook – Better Me Better Us
Email – info@bettermebetterus.co.uk - In this episode I speak to Michael Gaither, he was adopted in the US in the 1970s and moved to rural Nebraska. As a black boy raised by white adoptive parents in a majority white community Michael shares the impact of the profound differences he experienced and the lack of understanding he faced.
You can follow Michael here and there are free resources for those that are interested.
Michael's instagram is also here.
As always if you’ve experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com
Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here - Hello and welcome to conversations from the AandF podcast.
In this episode Scott and I reflect on the terrible news of the murder of Preston Davey. It broadens out the conversation in to the assessment process and power dynamics. We don't dwell on any of the details but reflect on some of the broader issues.
On the day we recorded the PM delivered the long awaited historic forced adoption apology and we unpack what he said, what he promised and what it means.
You can read a full transcript of the PM's apology speech here
As always if you’ve experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com - Hello and welcome to the A&F podcast
In this episode I speak to Nancy Mielle, we first chatted in 2023 when she shared her remarkable lived experience. Here we chat about the interplay of early adversity, trauma and neurodiversity. Nancy shares her own experience and we chat about the challenges of caring for complex children.
Nancy also shares a poem, its written for those with power of decisions.
You can listen to Nancy’s first podcast here.
As always if you’ve experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com
Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here
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About The Adoption and Fostering Podcast
Conversation & discussion on contemporary Adoption & Fostering
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