"Corporate parenting" is a phrase we hear often in children's social care, but what does it really mean in practice? Does it provide real solutions, or is it just another buzzword in the sector? In this episode of Conversations That Care, Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips take a deep dive into the heart of corporate parenting—its principles, challenges, and potential to transform the lives of children and families.Here’s what you’ll uncover:The Origins of Corporate ParentingWhy was this ...

In this episode of Conversations that Care, hosts Luke Rodgers and Karyell Phillips dive into the challenges and realities of leaving care. They unpack the “cliff edge” experience for young people transitioning out of the care system, discussing the emotional and practical struggles that often come with this pivotal moment. From the sudden loss of support systems to the overwhelming expectations of independence, Luke and Karyell explore how we can better equip care leavers for the f...

In this episode, Luke and Karylle delve into the complex and often overlooked role of social workers. They discuss the impact of social workers on the lives of children in care, exploring both the positive and negative experiences.From personal anecdotes to broader systemic issues, Luke and Karylle unpack the challenges and rewards of a career in social work. They discuss the importance of listening to young people, the impact of loss on social workers, and the potential for long-lasting rela...

In this months episode, hosts Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips look at the complexities of child placements within the social care system. With their combined experience as care leavers and professionals, they explore the ongoing debate surrounding local authorities, independent providers, and the quality of care offered.Luke and Karylle share personal stories and insights, challenging listeners to consider the pros and cons of different placement options. They discuss the importance of qual...

In this episode of Conversations That Care, Luke and Karylle delve into the intricate world of young people navigating the complexities of school and social care. With Karylle's unique perspective as a care-experienced social worker, teacher, and aspiring lawyer, listeners gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced by these vulnerable individuals.From the impact of COVID-19 on education to the delicate balance between child-focused systems and the demands on social workers, this episo...

Relationships, relationships, relationships, this is something we hear echo the metaphorical corridors of our sector. We talk about the power of relationships and the transformative impact they can have for young people. We advocate for permeant relationships to be available for care experienced people, and we even formalise it with phrases like ‘relationship focussed practice’. It’s clear we believe in revolution through relationships – so it only made sense that Karylle and Luke got togethe...

If you’ve read any of Luke's blogs, you will know that he is unsure about making care experience a protected characteristic. This view is shared by many, and people have asked him to share his perspective since the campaign began because they are unsure too. The main reasons for concern include the lack of evidence to suggest this will have an impact, insufficient consultation with care-experienced people about making it a protected characteristic (that equates to the volume of people th...

Speakers: Luke Rodgers: Founder of The Care Leaders, lived experience leader and former fellow at the University of Oxford.Karylle Phillips: Qualified teacher, social worker, and trauma-informed practitioner.Podcast Overview:In this engaging episode, Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips delve into the nuances of sharing lived experiences in the social care sector. They discuss their transition from sharing personal stories to becoming key figures in advocating for systemic change. Highlight...

In our latest podcast episode of "In Conversation With," we sit down with the inspirational Luke Rodgers BEM, the founder of The Care Leaders. 🎙️Luke's journey from care leaver to care leader is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. His story will give you hope and inspiration as he shares his experiences and how The Care Leaders is changing the landscape of children's social care.Join us as we explore his mission to create an allyship of both those with liv...

In this episode, your hosts, Luke Rodgers BEM, Karylle Phillips and Dave Linton, engage in a thought-provoking discussion titled "Redefining Narratives: Why Changing Words Won't Change Worlds."Language plays a crucial role in how we perceive and interact with the world, especially when it comes to children in care and care leavers. The episode explores the significance of language in the context of trauma-informed practice, emphasising that it's not just about being politically correct; it's ...

In this episode, we dive into the pressing question: "Can Youth Participation Avoid Tokenism?" With a blend of personal stories and professional insights, Luke and Karylle share their lived experiences and effective strategies to authentically involve young people.Drawing from their diverse backgrounds spanning lived experience and professional practices, the hosts shed light on the challenges of tokenism in youth engagement. Through engaging anecdotes, they reveal how tokenism can hinder pro...

In this episode, we explore the complex world of social work relationships and the reasons why children often experience changes in their social workers. Luke shares a poignant personal story of his own experience as a looked-after child and how his first social worker's departure left a lasting impression. The hosts explore the various factors that lead to social worker changes, such as organisational restructures and job turnover, and how these shifts can impact the stability and permanence...

In this episode as we delve into the crucial topic of care-experienced young people and their involvement in crime and exploitation. Our hosts examine the reasons behind increased criminal behaviour, the importance of meaningful activities, and the need to challenge stereotypes. Gain valuable insights and personal anecdotes as we explore the challenges faced by care experienced young people and the urgent need for change. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that aims ...

In this episode we explore the realities of leaving care and the challenges of becoming independent overnight. Our hosts Luke Rodgers, Karylle Phillips, lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, founder of Madlug, come together to share their insights on this important topic.We delve into the struggles faced by young people transitioning out of care and into adulthood. We discuss the shortcomings of the current system and the need for a more holistic approach to support these individuals. Wh...

In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug, the focus is on how to effectively communicate with teenagers. The discussion centers around the fact that teenagers in care often present a particular challenge, and many adults struggle to connect with them. We delve into the reasons behind this and explore the ways in which adults can engage with young people to foster better communication. We dis...

In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug. Together, they discuss the real-life experiences of moving from one foster care placement to another, the challenges that come with this process, and what it truly means to find permanency.Through their personal stories and expertise, Luke, Karylle, and Dave shed light on the difficulties young people face when transitioning between foster homes and the i...

Ric Flo is a lived experience leader, rapper, and founder of Mantra Music, the world’s first record label exclusively for care-experienced artists. For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, Luke Rodgers BEM, founder of The Care Leaders, chatted to Ric to learn more about his background, his passion for music, and how he’s supporting talented care-experienced young people through his work.To find out more about Ric and Mantra Music, visit the website. You can also email them...

When young people enter care, it can seem like the system takes a young person’s identity and gives them a new one, projecting them into a confusing world with new terminologies and often leaving them with little understanding of what’s happening. Systems are set up to safeguard children, which can sometimes leave families in cycles of trauma and negative family dynamics. Services become overwhelmed with the increasing numbers of young people entering care and become more stretched. Children ...

In children’s social care, systems are often set up to ‘manage’ the behaviour children and young people display, rather than helping us to understand the reasons behind their behaviour and what it communicates. In our latest episode, The Care Leaders, together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, discuss supportive foster carers, recognising triggers, and the importance of trust without conditions.Follow us on: LinkedInTwitter Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates fr...