What happens when more children need care — but there are fewer homes to support them?

In this episode of Care Visions Professional Talk, Professor Claudia Bernard (Goldsmiths, University of London) joins Humphrey Hawksley to explore the growing pressure on the UK care system.

Drawing on decades of experience in social work and research, Professor Bernard explains why the system is under strain — and what’s changed over the past 30 years.

This conversation covers:

• Why more children are entering care — often later, with more complex needs
• The shortage of foster carers and residential homes
• How trauma, poverty, race, gender and class shape outcomes
• Why relationship-based social work is becoming harder
• The rise in complexity facing practitioners
• The reality behind “county lines” and exploitation
• Whether children are always best placed in family settings
• The role of private providers in children’s care

This is an honest, grounded discussion about the realities behind the system — and the difficult questions that don’t have easy answers.

Final thought:
If children don’t have hope, what do they have?

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

CHILDHOOD IN CRISIS

Why are so many children struggling today – and why does no one seem to have a clear answer?

In this Care Visions Family Talk: Spotlight episode, host Lucy Johnston speaks to world-renowned trauma expert and bestselling author Dr Gabor Maté about the rising levels of anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders and emotional distress in children.

As diagnoses increase and waiting lists grow, this conversation asks a deeper question:
What if we’ve misunderstood childhood completely?
Dr Maté challenges the idea that conditions like ADHD are primarily genetic, and instead explores how stress, environment and modern life are shaping children’s brains and behaviour. From early development and attachment to school systems, smartphones and family pressure, this episode looks at what’s really driving the crisis in childhood mental health.
This is not an easy listen – but it is an essential one.


#ChildhoodInCrisis
#GaborMate
#DrGaborMate
#FamilyTalkSpotlight
#CareVisionsTalks
#ADHD
#ChildMentalHealth
#Parenting
#Trauma
#ChildhoodTrauma
#MentalHealthAwareness
#AnxietyInChildren
#DepressionInChildren
#Attachment
#ScreenTime
#ModernParenting
#EmotionalDevelopment
#BrainDevelopment
#Fostering
#CareExperienced

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

Children are growing up on screens earlier than ever — but what is it doing to their development, wellbeing and safety?

In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, about the real impact of smartphones and social media on children’s lives.

From rising anxiety and sleep issues to exposure to harmful content and online grooming, Mary shares what children and families are experiencing right now — and why this is becoming a public health issue.

The conversation explores:
Why screen use is starting younger than ever
The link between smartphones and anxiety, low mood and self-esteem
What children are actually seeing online (and why it’s worse than adults think)
Whether banning social media would help — or create new risks
Why delaying devices could make a difference
The role of parents, schools and government in keeping children safe
This is not about blame. It’s about understanding what’s changed — and what needs to happen next.


#childrenandsmartphones #screentimechildren #socialmediasafety #onlinesafetychildren #parentingdigitalage #childdevelopmentscreens #anxietychildren #smartphonesandkids #maryglasgow #childrenfirstscotland #lucyjohnston #familytalkpodcast #carevisions #socialmediaban #onlinegroomingawareness #childmentalhealth

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

What does it take to rebuild your life after a difficult childhood?
In this episode of Care Visions Talks – Professional Talk, Humphrey Hawksley speaks with Tina Copp, who shares her experience of growing up in the care system and how those early challenges shaped her path into education and mental health training.

Now a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Tina reflects on trauma, resilience, and the moments that can change a young person’s life — from being believed in, to simply being noticed.

This conversation explores:
Growing up in care and early life experiences
The impact of trauma and instability
Mental Health First Aid and early support
What professionals should look for and respond to
Why connection, belief and opportunity matter
A powerful conversation for foster carers, educators, and anyone supporting young people.

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

In this episode of Family Talk, Lucy Johnston speaks with Bruce Adamson, human rights lawyer and former Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland.

Bruce shares insights from his international work advising governments and organisations on children’s rights. Together they explore the pressures facing children today — including poverty, mental health challenges, online safety and the rapid pace of technological change.

The conversation highlights why children’s voices must be heard in decisions that affect them and how communities, carers and policymakers can better support young people.

A thoughtful discussion about building a society where every child is respected, supported and able to thrive.

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

In this episode of Care Visions Talks: Professional Talk, host Humphrey Hawksley is joined by Dr Andrew G. Thomas, PhD for a thoughtful conversation exploring male identity in a rapidly changing social world.
Together, they examine how masculinity is evolving, the pressures facing boys and men today, and what this means for families, care systems, education and professional practice.

In this conversation, we explore:
• How male identity is shaped by culture and expectation
• The challenges facing boys and young men
• Masculinity, mental health and emotional expression
• Relationships, belonging and purpose
• The role of care systems and professionals
• Supporting healthier male development

This episode offers valuable insight for parents, carers, educators and professionals supporting boys and young men in today’s society.

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

In this episode of Care Visions Talks: Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston is joined by Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister OBE MP for a timely and in-depth conversation on fostering reform in the UK.

Drawing on his leadership of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, the Minister outlines a vision to transform a system he believes has become too focused on process rather than people.

From the urgent need to recruit 10,000 new foster carers, to removing unnecessary barriers preventing families from stepping forward, this discussion explores what meaningful reform could look like — and why change is needed now.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The foster carer shortage in the UK
• Plans to recruit 10,000 new foster carers
• Barriers facing prospective fostering families
• Approval processes and bureaucratic challenges
• Children being placed far from home
• Stability, belonging and community connections
• Investment and future reform plans

If you care about the future of fostering, children’s social care, and creating stable, loving homes, this is an essential conversation.

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.

In this episode of Care Visions Talks: Professional Talk, host Humphrey Hawksley is joined by Professor Claire Cameron, the UK’s first Professor of Social Pedagogy, for a reflective and practice-focused conversation about care, relationships and professional culture.

Drawing on a career spanning residential care, frontline social work, research and policy, Claire explores how care systems function — and where they risk losing their relational core.

In this conversation, we explore:
• What social pedagogy is and why it matters
• The role of relationships in care practice
• Moving beyond compliance and procedures
• Ethics, dignity and everyday care
• Lessons for social workers and practitioners
• Leadership and organisational culture
• Supporting children and families relationally

Claire reflects on how care has evolved over time, where systems risk becoming overly procedural, and how social pedagogy offers a hopeful and practical framework for the future of care.

This episode is particularly relevant for professionals working in:
• Social work
• Fostering
• Residential care
• Education
• Youth work
• Children’s services
• Policy and leadership

Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.

Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Listen and follow:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks

Follow on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carevisionstalks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareVisionsTalks

Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk

Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.