The Family Futures podcast aims to amplify, educate and inform. We have spent 25 years working with adopted, fostered and care experienced children and young people, supporting them and their families. Family Futures is a not for profit, independent adoption agency in London, rated Ofsted Outstanding, and a leading provider of therapeutic support for families. Find out more about Family Futures at www.familyfutures.co.uk.
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 wellbeinghub@familyfutures.co.uk 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. www.familyfutures.co.uk iAdopt@familyfutures.co.uk 020 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/adoption 00:49 – Meet Phil Kane Phil shares his background and 20+ years of experience in children’s social care. 01:48 – First Steps in the Adoption Process How 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 Explained Stage One & Stage Two, therapeutic tools used, and how adopters are supported. 20:42 – Children’s Needs What prospective adopters should expect and how to prepare. 24:57 – Contact with Birth Family What contact can look like, why it matters for children’s identity, and how it is managed safely. 27:54 – What Children Need Most Predictability, routine, love, and being listened to - plus Phil’s professional reflections. 30:11 – Advice for Prospective Adopters Practical tips: start conversations, do your research, voluntary work, keep a log, and explore different agencies. 33:52 – Outro How 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 guide 00:35 – Jay’s role at Family Futures Jay shares her background, passion for therapy, and ongoing work with children and families. 02:02 – The Family Futures journey Reflection 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 base Overview of research since 2016, including the 2019 published study, positive outcomes, and comparison studies highlighting the risks of no intervention. 06:04 – Disseminating the model Why 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 therapy Exploring how professionals from a wide range of disciplines can use NPP thinking in their work. 10:18 – Application across contexts How different professionals (teachers, OTs, social workers, psychotherapists) can apply NPP strategies in practice. 11:30 – Training and assessments Level 1 outcomes: becoming NPP-informed and able to contribute to multidisciplinary assessments. 11:53 – Collaboration opportunities Family Futures’ plans to support lone providers and organisations with shared assessments and frameworks. 15:31 – Level 2 training A 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 recognition How NPP is being recognised (including in EHCPs), and the importance of clearer communication about the model. 22:20 – The neuro-sequential approach Why regulation is foundational for learning and functioning – and how trauma complicates this process. 23:22 – The wider societal cost The impact of unsupported trauma on society, including links to education, prison, and mental health. 26:00 – A framework that works Celebrating 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-hub Timestamped Guide 00:01 – Introduction Charlotte introduces Angela Palacios and the three areas of support offered through the Wellbeing Hub. 00:40 – Angela’s Story Angela 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 Coaching Breaking 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 Practice How sessions explore learning-linked anxiety, and the difference between therapy and tutoring. 14:10 – The Emotional Roots of School Stress How shame, avoidance, and learning struggles intersect in the classroom. 16:28 – The Wider Impact of Learning Difficulties How one subject challenge can affect a child’s whole school day, friendships, and self-esteem. 19:24 – Family and Home Pressures The role of parental expectations, lack of emotional support, and performance pressure. 22:51 – High-Achieving but Struggling When children achieve academically but hide high levels of stress and anxiety. 23:51 – The Performance of Schooling Sets, grades, and the impact of categorisation on self-esteem and identity. 27:23 – Home vs School: Why Context Matters Why 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 Coaching Using creativity, strengths, and consistency to build habits and improve executive function. 34:22 – Building Lasting Habits Why 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-findings Timestamp Topic Guide 0:00 – Introduction to the episode and Dr. Elaine McCullough 2:12 – What is the NPP model? Overview of how it works 4:49 – The nervous system and Polyvagal Theory explained 7:37 – Cues of safety, sensory work, and parent-child co-regulation 10:38 – Why you can’t start with talking therapy 13:51 – How safety builds new neural pathways and emotional memory 16:50 – How staff use the model across all therapeutic disciplines 18:46 – What “neurosequential but not linear” means in practice 19:44 – Why the research began: early outcomes and evidence 22:47 – What “the full model” includes 24:57 – Key findings: behavioural and educational outcomes 28:53 – The statistics: relationships, medication, school access 32:21 – What stands out from the research? 34:33 – Why don’t we invest earlier? A call for cost-benefit analysis 37:02 – Prenatal alcohol exposure: new findings from the most recent research 41:39 – The NPP model and FASD: what the data shows 44:23 – Neurodiversity, ADHD, and overlapping presentations 48:52 – What’s next: pathways, plasticity, and brain repair 54:19 – 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.uk 00:00 – 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 wellbeinghub@familyfutures.co.uk Follow 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 website www.familyfutures.co.uk/ourapproach/assessment EHCP 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.uk Created 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 FamilyFutures, 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 support These 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 Event Sign the petition urging the government to rethink the changes: Change.org Petition Donate to our Crisis Fund : Donate to Family Futures The 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
Download our free webinar here . NPP introduction – an evidence based therapy for healing trauma. Jay Vaughan MBE and co founder of Family Futures,shares how and why the Family Futures therapy model, Neuro Physiological Psychotherapy (NPP) was developed. She explains the way a holistic therapy works so well for children and young people who have experienced trauma by working with the brain and body together. To find out more about Family Futures and how we helpchildren, families and professionals, head over to our website www.familyfutures.co.uk We'd love to hear from you, email your comments or questions to contact@familyfutures.co.uk Created and produced by Charlotte Mumford
If you want to know more about adopting, you can sign up to our information evening on the 22nd February 2024 or email us to speak to a member of our team -contact@familyfutures.co.uk Adoption Information Evening with Family Futures Tickets, Thu 22 Feb 2024 at 18:30 | Eventbrite 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
