Pondering Pods, The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

In this special Q&A episode, recorded at one of our adoption information evenings, approved adopters Alex and James share their story - from assessment and matching to parenting a child with additional needs.Interviewed by their assessing social worker Phil Kane, and joined by fellow Family Futures social worker and parent through adoption Caz, they reflect on the impact of therapeutic support, the realities of family finding, and the role of a support network – including what a network meeting really involves.We host these events regularly for anyone exploring adoption, our next information evening will be on the 9th July. Sign up here Learn more at ⁠www.familyfutures.co.uk00:00 – Intro & What to ExpectAn overview of this Q&A session from a Family Futures Information Evening with adopters Alex and James, hosted by Phil Kane, with insights from social worker Caz.01:03 – Family Finding TimelineAlex shares how they were approved in January, found their son quickly, but waited several months before introductions began.01:47 – Choosing Family Futures & the Assessment ExperienceWhy Alex and James chose Family Futures over their local authority and what stood out in the therapeutic, creative assessment process.07:14 – Support Through Family FindingFrom connecting with fellow adopters to managing frustrations and emotional highs and lows during matching.10:00 – Expectations vs. Reality in Family FindingAlex reflects on viewing 125–150 profiles, the types of children available, and how they shifted from expecting to adopt a 2-year-old to adopting a 7-year-old.13:02 – Feeling Supported & Staying GroundedThe importance of honest conversations, managing hopes, and having realistic expectations during family finding.14:17 – Meeting the Birth FamilyAlex recounts the powerful, emotional, and ultimately rewarding experience of meeting their son's birth family — and why it mattered for their son’s identity.19:00 – Therapeutic Support After PlacementComparing support from Family Futures with that of local authorities, and why therapeutic parenting has been a transformative experience.23:35 – Reflections from Caz (Social Worker & Adoptive Parent)Caz shares her perspective on the contrast in support between agencies and the value of therapeutic care.24:06 – Building Trust & The Role of Social WorkersWhy the relationships with social workers and therapists mattered deeply to Alex and James, and how they came to trust the Family Futures team.27:30 – Volunteering Before AdoptionAlex describes their experience finding local volunteering opportunities and why it turned out to be unexpectedly rewarding.30:15 – How Support Networks Can ShiftWhy the people you expect to lean on might change — and how adoption-related connections became their strongest source of support.

ASGSF funding cuts – sign the petition and join the march Sign the petition to reverse ASGSF funding cuts here: Petition · Action Against ASGSF Changes (Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund) – United Kingdom · Change.org. The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund provides vital therapy for traumatised children and has been drastically cut this month, leaving many vulnerable children and their families struggling and in crisis. Clare, a parent whose daughters come to Family Futures for therapy, has set up a protest march and petition against the funding cuts to highlight the impact this is having on vulnerable children across England. Please share and help spread the word. The protest march will take place on 3rd May at 1pm. ⁠You can find more information and news at www.familyfutures.co.uk⁠ Find out more about the 3rd May peaceful march here Write to your MP Listen to the ASGSF discussion on BBC 5 Live Nicky Campbell show, 17 April 2025 10-11am  

In this episode of Self Care Sessions, you'll be guided through a special place visualisation—a simple yet powerful exercise to help you find calm and relaxation whenever you need it.This technique, typically used in EMDR therapy, helps create a mental sanctuary where you feel safe and at peace. Whether you're a young person managing stress or a parent/carer supporting others, this practice can be a valuable tool for self-care.Take a deep breath, find a quiet space, and join us in this guided relaxation.If you're interested in EMDR we offer sessions for adults and adolescents through The Family Futures Wellbeing Hub, email us for a free consultation [email protected] and subscribe for more self-care sessions.Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford

In this episode of Pondering Pods expert consultant in special education, Paul Stanley, explains the steps involved in securing an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).  We discuss the importance of thorough assessments, and what parents can do if their child or young persons needs aren't being met. EHCPs play a vital role in supporting children and young people with special educational needs. We also discuss the challenges families face, from navigating appeals to the need for independent assessments. If you’re currently going through the EHCP process or thinking about applying for your child or young person, this episode will provide insights to help you advocate for the support your child or young person deserves. To find out more about our specialist assessments or our Family Futures therapy model, NPP, visit our websitewww.familyfutures.co.uk/ourapproach/assessmentEHCP signposting: IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice):IPSEA Website  SENDIASS & Virtual School: Find your local services (example:Islington SENDIASS,Islington Virtual School)  SOS!SEN (Special Educational Needs Advice):SOS!SEN Website  SEND code of practice:explained Produced by Charlotte Mumford

Welcome to the Family Futures Podcast series, self care sessions. Self care you can do anywhere. This is a body based session, focusing on spin mobility with Stephen Mulley Therapy Services Manager.(Senior Clinical Specialist Dance Movement Psychotherapist)Like and subscribe for podcast updates, and if you’d like to know more about family futures, you can visit our website ⁠⁠www.familyfutures.co.uk⁠Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford

Welcome to the Family Futures Podcast series, selfcare sessions. Selfcare you can do anywhere. This session is a somatic experience body tracking session with Jay Vaughan MBE, CEO & Registered Manager. (Dramatherapist, Theraplay Practitioner & Supervisor, Somatic Experience Practitioner & Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist) Like and subscribe for podcast updates, and if you’d like to know more about family futures, you can visit our website ⁠www.familyfutures.co.uk Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford

Newly matched adopters Buzz and Jenni shared their experience at our recent information evening. They talk about their decision-making process and preparation before choosing an agency to assess them (spoiler alert, it’s us) and why they chose Family Futures. We also get to hear about their experience of navigating the family finding and matching process. If you’d like to find out more about adopting with Family Futures, or to learn more about adoption with a VAA (voluntary adoption agency) you can sign up to our next information evening here.

In this episode Sam discusses his recent transition from mainstream school to homeschooling and how this has helped him develop his social skills. Sam who is now 16 first came to Family Futures with his mum and dad aged 7. We are also joined by Sam's mum who shares valuable insights for both professionals and potential adoptive parents, emphasising the importance of considering older children and the unique rewards and challenges of adoption. If you want to find out more about adoption or how to support Family Futures' work with care experienced children and young people, visit www.familyfutures.co.uk This podcast was created and produced by Charlotte Mumford

Adrian Perks, adoptive parent and child and adolescent psychotherapist at Family Futures, discusses the importance of parent support, particularly for adoptive parents. He explains his training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and NVR (Non-Violent Resistance), emphasizing that NVR is not about restraint but therapeutic parenting techniques. Adrian highlights the need for early support for adoptive families and the benefits of self-care. He also mentions the practical aspects of NVR training, including de-escalation techniques and mindfulness exercises. To register your interest in our NVR training visit our website www.familyfutures.co.uk Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford

In this episode therapy services manager Stephen Mulley talks about the ASGSF, how to apply, the support it can offer and who is eligible.  Please note: This episode was recorded prior to the government's proposed changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). Since recording, serious changes have been proposed that will drastically impact the children and families we support.The proposed changes would:- Cut funding from £5,000 to £3,000 per child, reducing access to vital therapy- Remove match funding, a crucial lifeline for families with children facing complex trauma- Eliminate separate funding for specialist assessments, further limiting supportThese proposals threaten the stability and wellbeing of vulnerable children who have already faced immense hardship. Without this support, more families risk reaching crisis point.These children need more support, not less.Here’s how you can take action:Join the protest march on May 3rd in London: Facebook EventSign the petition urging the government to rethink the changes: Change.org PetitionDonate to our Crisis Fund: Donate to Family FuturesThe Crisis Fund helps families impacted by reduced funding continue to access the specialist therapy they rely on. To find out more about Family Futures and what we do, head over to our website www.familyfutures.co.uk. Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford