Fostering - Who Cares?

In this episode, we hear from Shannon, who is care experienced and shares how her journey through the care system has empowered her to use her own experiences to make a difference and support others.Shannon is the founder of Future for Care Leavers, a business dedicated to providing information, guidance and support to children and young people in care, as well as those transitioning out of the care system. She has also developed My Rights, My Life – an informative booklet, resource and journal designed to help care leavers understand their rights, navigate life beyond care and feel empowered to shape their own futures.In conversation with Louise, Shannon explores the changes that are urgently needed to improve outcomes for care leavers and discusses how we can all play a part in creating a more positive future for young people leaving care.November marks National Care Leavers Month, and this year's theme, 'Leading the Way: From Experience to Empowerment', celebrates the voices, experiences and potential of care-experienced people.Join us for an inspiring conversation about turning lived experience into positive change, empowering young people and ensuring care leavers have the support and opportunities they deserve.

In this episode, we chat to James, the birth child of a foster parent. James shares his experience of growing up in a fostering family, as his family has fostered for the past 10 years.He talks openly about the rewards and challenges that fostering has brought to him and his siblings, the impact it has had on their family life, and how his experiences have inspired him to pursue a career in social work.October 12th–18th is Children of Foster Carers Week, celebrated by The Fostering Network. The week recognises the unique role played by children in fostering households, as well as the challenges they may experience and the support they provide to help new arrivals feel safe, welcome and loved.At Families First Fostering, we would like to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate the vital contributions made by the birth and adopted children of foster parents. Your support, understanding and willingness to share your family make a real difference. ❤️#ChildrenOfFosterCarersWeek #Fostering #FosterCare #TheFosteringNetwork #FamiliesFirstFostering #FosterFamilies

Families First Podcast hosts Louise Harkin & Jon Clayton are joined by experienced therapeutic foster parent Adele to hear about her journey into fostering, how fostering has impacted her birth children and how there is always more to learn!With a national shortage of foster parents Foster Care Fortnight running from the 11th - 24th May 2026 is raising awareness of fostering and how people can get involved and make a significant and lasting difference to children and young people.Contact Families First to find out more or request a free information pack: www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk     [email protected]

In this episode we are joined by the founder of Brightstar - Joe Lockley to hear about how this inspiring organisation has helped thousands of young people to overcome many challenges and access education.Brightstar: Changing lives through boxing, education and mentoring.We know the massive difference boxing, mentoring, education and community support can make when it comes to empowering these positive changes, especially for vulnerable people and young people at risk. We run the Brightstar Boxing Academy, Brightstar Futures and Brigthstar Community programmes across the West Midlands.https://www.brightstarboxing.co.uk/Families First are a proud partner agency of Brightstar and our work together in supporting young people.https://www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk/

In this episode we hear from Ricci about his own lived experiences both as a care leaver and also an experienced Therapeutic foster parent. Ricci and Louise explore the challenges faced by care leavers and what changes and support is needed to promote better outcomes.Brought to you by Families First Fostering www.familiesfirstfostering.co.ukhttps://facebook.com/Familiesfirstfosteringhttps://instagram.com/fffostering

What is Therapeutic Fostering? Join experienced therapeutic foster parent Jon and Operations Manager Louise to find out what it takes to be a therapeutic foster parent. Hear their lived experiences and discover some of the rewards and challenges that fostering can bring.Brought to you by Families First Fostering www.familiesfirstfostering.co.ukhttps://facebook.com/Familiesfirstfosteringhttps://instagram.com/fffostering