Adoption & Fostering journal #14 | Outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents
Research 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 are for both carers and children.
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Golm explores the findings of a recent systematic review examining outcomes for foster carers and adoptive parents who participated in attachment-based group interventions. He speaks with the review’s authors: Dr. Ranjitha David, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the CAMHS Crisis Team in Nottingham; Dr. Pallab Majumder, also a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Nottingham; and Natasha Dembrey, a paediatric trainee (PT3). Together, they discuss the current evidence, practical implications, and future directions for supporting carers and children through attachment-informed approaches.
Read the article: Outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents: A systematic review
--------
48:27
Adoption & Fostering journal #13 | Vol.49 Issue 1 introduction with Dr Dennis Golm and Vicky Walker
The 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 how inclusive and diverse are current UK foster care research and practice? The March issue (Volume 49, Issue 1) highlights the gap between growing awareness and meaningful change, calling for more representative research and inclusive practices.
Adoption & Fostering is the only quarterly peer-reviewed journal dedicated to adoption, fostering and kinship issues. Over the years, it has gained an international reputation as one of the world’s leading sources of knowledge for academics, practitioners and all those concerned with childcare practice and research.
Edited by Dr Dennis Golm, Adoption & Fostering is published by SAGE on behalf of the CoramBAAF Adoption & Fostering Academy.
Find out more: https://corambaaf.org.uk/adoption-fostering-journal-13-vol49-issue-1-introduction-dr-dennis-golm-and-vicky-walker
--------
21:05
Episode 39 | Encouraging adoption in Black African and Caribbean communities
Adoption 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—compared to the overall average of 21 months and just 20 months for White British children.
Jennifer Kwakye is the Adoption Outreach Ambassador for Coram Ambitious for Adoption, an organisation dedicated to recruiting families who can meet the needs of children waiting for a permanent home. In her role, Jennifer works to raise awareness of adoption within African and Caribbean communities by engaging with local groups, organisations, and major employers. Through community outreach, online advocacy, and information events, she aims to challenge the disparities and stigmas surrounding adoption.
In this conversation, Jennifer speaks with Jane Poore, CoramBAAF’s Adoption Consultant, about the importance of finding children a stable, loving home while preserving their cultural heritage and identity. They explore the challenges faced when recruiting Black adopters, and the vital support available for adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents.
Adoption systems have historically been shaped by white-centric values, making the process less accessible and inclusive for families from diverse backgrounds. To truly address adoption disparities, Black adopters must see themselves represented in the workforce, and the system must evolve to be more inclusive of all cultures and identities.
Find out more: Episode 39 | Encouraging adoption in Black African and Caribbean communities | CoramBAAF
--------
31:57
Adoption & Fostering journal #12 | Child to parent violence and aggression with Dr Morvwen Duncan and Hetty Verhagen
Dr 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 in a Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team and in private practice at The Lotus Psychology Practice. Dr Duncan talks with us about her research exploring primary and secondary trauma in adoptive parents.
Hetty is an independent Therapeutic Social Worker, a lecturer in social work at the University of Leeds, and the author of Parenting Matters: Parenting a child affected by child to parent violence and aggression. Her background is in adoption and fostering services, and worked in an adoption support team and was part of the team that set up adoption support at adoption matters.
This episode was inspired by Morvwen’s article in Adoption & Fostering journal, from Volume 48 Issue 2. Members, sign in to read the article for free.
--------
35:23
Adoption & Fostering journal #11 | Vol.48 Issue 3 introduction with Dr Dennis Golm and Vicky Walker
Dr 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 journal or the table of contents for the issue, visit our website. Members, remember to sign in to access the journal.
www.corambaaf.org.uk
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.
UK