What should adoption support look like?

What is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapeutic tool designed to help the brain process traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talking therapy, it uses bilateral stimulation (typically this is guided eye movements) to reduce the emotional charge of distressing experiences, allowing the mind to heal.In this episode, we explore what an EMDR session looks like, how quickly you might see results and who could benefit most from this approach.Listen to the special place visualisation here. We currently offer EMDR through our Wellbeing Hub. If you’re curious about how EMDR could support you or a family member, our team is here to help.Call us on 0202 7354 4161 or email us [email protected] www.familyfutures.co.uk/wellbeing-hub

We believe in providing therapeutic support from the start. When a child first moves in with their adoptive family support is key to their future stability and wellbeing. Thanks to a generous donor, we are now able to offer guaranteed support to all our iAdopt families in their first year while longer term funding is set up. In this episode Family Futures co founder, CEO and therapist Jay Vaughan, alongside, iAdopt team leader and social worker Phil Kane, discuss the importance of early support and what that looks like at Family Futures. If you’d like to know more about becoming a parent through our iAdopt service or you have any questions about adoption, you can contact us via email, phone or our website to arrange a one to one call with a member of our team. [email protected] 7354 4161

This episode is for any listeners thinking about adoption. iAdopt team leader, Phil answers your most frequently asked questions. You can find a time stamped guide to the episode below. If you’d like to find out more about adopting with iAdopt, get in touch via our website to arrange a call with a member of our team. www.familyfutures.co.uk/adoption00:49 – Meet Phil KanePhil shares his background and 20+ years of experience in children’s social care.01:48 – First Steps in the Adoption ProcessHow to get in touch, what happens on an initial call, and the purpose of an initial consultation.06:07 – Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA) vs Regional Adoption Agency (RAA)Key differences, how family finding works, and why someone might choose a VAA.12:32 – Why Choose Family Futures?Our personal, therapeutic, and creative approach to adoption assessment.15:13 – Assessment Process ExplainedStage One & Stage Two, therapeutic tools used, and how adopters are supported.20:42 – Children’s NeedsWhat prospective adopters should expect and how to prepare.24:57 – Contact with Birth FamilyWhat contact can look like, why it matters for children’s identity, and how it is managed safely.27:54 – What Children Need MostPredictability, routine, love, and being listened to - plus Phil’s professional reflections.30:11 – Advice for Prospective AdoptersPractical tips: start conversations, do your research, voluntary work, keep a log, and explore different agencies.33:52 – OutroHow to get in touch with Family Futures for more information.

In this episode, Jay Vaughan MBE, CEO of Family Futures, and trainer explores why NPP works, the powerful research outcomes behind it, and how professionals across disciplines can apply this neuro-sequential approach in their own practice.If you’re a social worker, therapist, teacher, professional supporting children and families or parent this episode is for you.Book your place today. You can find the the Family Futures research findings here.The 2023 research referenced in the discussion [Family‑based psychological interventions for domestically adoptive families: a systematic review]The POTATO group (parents of traumatised adopted teens organisation) research.Timestamp topic guide00:35 – Jay’s role at Family FuturesJay shares her background, passion for therapy, and ongoing work with children and families.02:02 – The Family Futures journeyReflection on 28 years of practice and over 30 years working with children from the care system.02:32 – What is NPP?Jay explains Neuro-Physiological Psychotherapy (NPP) – working with brain and body, neuro-sequential thinking, and supporting regulation, relationships, and reflective thinking.03:36 – The evidence baseOverview of research since 2016, including the 2019 published study, positive outcomes, and comparison studies highlighting the risks of no intervention.06:04 – Disseminating the modelWhy Family Futures wants to share NPP beyond Family Futures and how it can be applied more widely.07:16 – NPP as a framework, not just a therapyExploring how professionals from a wide range of disciplines can use NPP thinking in their work.10:18 – Application across contextsHow different professionals (teachers, OTs, social workers, psychotherapists) can apply NPP strategies in practice.11:30 – Training and assessmentsLevel 1 outcomes: becoming NPP-informed and able to contribute to multidisciplinary assessments.11:53 – Collaboration opportunitiesFamily Futures’ plans to support lone providers and organisations with shared assessments and frameworks.15:31 – Level 2 trainingA deeper dive into complex cases, child-on-parent violence, parenting assessments, and live supervision.16:35 – What makes NPP unique?Discussion of multimodal, integrated approaches and why NPP is different from other interventions.18:57 – Demand and recognitionHow NPP is being recognised (including in EHCPs), and the importance of clearer communication about the model.22:20 – The neuro-sequential approachWhy regulation is foundational for learning and functioning – and how trauma complicates this process.23:22 – The wider societal costThe impact of unsupported trauma on society, including links to education, prison, and mental health.26:00 – A framework that worksCelebrating that NPP is not guesswork, but a model proven by research and outcomes.

In this episode  Angela Palacios (Senior Educational Psychotherapist and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practitioner) talks about how educational psychotherapy, executive function coaching, and support for emotionally based school avoidance can help children and families. She explains and explores neuro-affirming practice shifts the focus from “fixing” individuals to creating supportive environments, and how strengths-based approaches can empower neurodiverse children and young people.To find out more about The Wellbeing Hub visit our website familyfutures.co.uk/wellbeing-hubTimestamped Guide00:01 – IntroductionCharlotte introduces Angela Palacios and the three areas of support offered through the Wellbeing Hub.00:40 – Angela’s StoryAngela shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 43 and how her experience informs her practice.03:43 – What is Executive Function Coaching?Exploring executive functions, daily tasks, and how coaching sessions support children, young people, and adults.06:40 – Practical Examples of Executive Function CoachingBreaking routines into steps, building strategies, and managing the stress of everyday tasks.09:20 – Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)Why children refuse school, the role of anxiety, and how to identify underlying causes.11:39 – Educational Psychotherapy in PracticeHow sessions explore learning-linked anxiety, and the difference between therapy and tutoring.14:10 – The Emotional Roots of School StressHow shame, avoidance, and learning struggles intersect in the classroom.16:28 – The Wider Impact of Learning DifficultiesHow one subject challenge can affect a child’s whole school day, friendships, and self-esteem.19:24 – Family and Home PressuresThe role of parental expectations, lack of emotional support, and performance pressure.22:51 – High-Achieving but StrugglingWhen children achieve academically but hide high levels of stress and anxiety.23:51 – The Performance of SchoolingSets, grades, and the impact of categorisation on self-esteem and identity.27:23 – Home vs School: Why Context MattersWhy children may thrive at home but struggle in school, and the importance of listening to parents.28:13 – What Does “Neuro-Affirming” Mean?Angela explains neuro-affirming practice and how it shifts focus away from fixing the individual.33:03 – Strengths-Based Approaches in CoachingUsing creativity, strengths, and consistency to build habits and improve executive function.34:22 – Building Lasting HabitsWhy consistency and parental support are key in making strategies stick.

An evidenced based therapy model, NPP. In this episode, Dr. Elaine McCullough, Clinical Psychologist explores the thinking behind the Neuro Physiological Psychotherapy (NPP) model and the published research that supports it. Dr. McCullough unpacks the physical and emotional effects of developmental trauma, the role of co-regulation in healing, and how the NPP model helps children build safety, connection, and long-term resilience. Dr. McCullough also shares key findings from research into the model’s effectiveness, including outcomes for children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and neurodevelopmental needs.Explore the research at www.familyfutures.co.uk/research-findingsTimestamp Topic Guide0:00 – Introduction to the episode and Dr. Elaine McCullough 2:12 – What is the NPP model? Overview of how it works4:49 – The nervous system and Polyvagal Theory explained7:37 – Cues of safety, sensory work, and parent-child co-regulation10:38 – Why you can’t start with talking therapy13:51 – How safety builds new neural pathways and emotional memory16:50 – How staff use the model across all therapeutic disciplines18:46 – What “neurosequential but not linear” means in practice19:44 – Why the research began: early outcomes and evidence22:47 – What “the full model” includes24:57 – Key findings: behavioural and educational outcomes28:53 – The statistics: relationships, medication, school access32:21 – What stands out from the research?34:33 – Why don’t we invest earlier? A call for cost-benefit analysis37:02 – Prenatal alcohol exposure: new findings from the most recent research41:39 – The NPP model and FASD: what the data shows44:23 – Neurodiversity, ADHD, and overlapping presentations48:52 – What’s next: pathways, plasticity, and brain repair54:19 – Physical damage from trauma and signs of neurological recovery

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, details of our next information evening can be found on our website. 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