Agency Connection Ltd

I was sent an embargoed copy yesterday ahead of the report’s publication today. But…. I couldn’t share it until today. So here is the snippet of my contribution to the work of the Select Committee on the Children and Families Act 2014. See comment for the link to full report.   The video is a clip of me providing evidence to the House of Lords committee. In responding to issue of why there is lack of diversity on adoption panels. The issues around adoption process and ethnic disparity are somewhat complex and requires a range of changes to happen. Specifically around issue of panel there is need for agencies to develop a new mindset and behaviour of recruitment that removes unnecessary barriers and make it easier for more people from diverse communities to come on board. It is sad that it has been 8years since this piece of legislation came into existence. However, it’s implementation was not given due consideration therefore it’s not been fit for purpose and has led vulnerable children down. I am pleased to see some of the key recommendations include; * Addressing the unacceptable ethnic and racial disparities in the adoption system by establishing an outcome focussed task force, accountable to the Secretary of State. * Improving post-placement support for adopters and kinship carers including the expansion of the Adoption Support Fund, allowing it to be used for more than therapy and ensuring it is also focused on early intervention. * Developing a safe and modern digital contact system for post adoption contact. The Committee urge the Government to support adoption agencies in developing and rolling-out a safe and appropriate national digital system for contact as a priority. See link to full report in comments. My responses are captured in chapter 2 - Adoption, points 62 and 65. ======================= ❓What is your view and experience of the adoption process, what can we do to improve it for vulnerable children and young people? For leading thoughts on improving diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging in adoption and fostering at strategic levels. Follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires and ring my bell 🔔 #PanelDiversity #AdoptionAndFostering #HLChildrenAndFamiliesAct2014 #Adoption Video description; Ade responding to question from the House of Lords’ committee. She is wearing an African print dress yellow and black. Her hair is dark colour with highlights in afro style.

🌟 After nearly 20 years of practising as a social worker, I'm still learning to challenge my own biases every day. When discussing bias, I've heard things like, "I’ve been learning about bias for a long time. I know all about it". "It’s my job to ensure no one here is treated unfairly." This attitude suggests that some believe they are above holding biased views. But here's the reality: Everyone has biases. No one is immune. We can all fall into biased thinking. I've gathered some invaluable insights about bias along the way. I believe addressing bias starts with acknowledging that we all have it. From there, we can: 📚 Learn and improve our behaviours and attitudes. 🌍 Be open to learning from those with different experiences. 👂 Listen to understand, not just to respond. Leading the training with the Adoption Tees Valley panel members and chairs last week was a pleasure. The conversations were at times challenging, but discomfort is a part of growth. A big thank you to Joanne Stoddart for inviting me to deliver this training to the team. I am on the same journey as you, but I am keen to deliver this training to your team, feel free to DM me today. Happy Friday! ❓What's been your learning this week? ======================= Hello! 👋 I'm @Adefunke Larigo, I advocate for cultural consciousness and anti-racism in decision-making within adoption and fostering, to transform outcomes for children of Black and Global Majority 🚀 Follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, Join in, connect, engage, and share your ideas and comments. DM or email 💌 to work together! 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #DEI #ChallengingBias #BiasAwareness #AntiRacist #RacialDisparity #AdoptionAndFostering #AdoptionPanel

I enjoyed sharing a conversation with these two awesome leaders Renée Davis and Julien Brunoir at UK Black Business Show in the NEC, this weekend in on future-proofing careers. It was an opportunity for me to meet up with long-term friends and inspirational people in person like Sope Agbelusi and Chipo Mukoki It was an insightful discussion and great questions were asked from the audience. Here are some of the nuggets we shared in our talk; 💛 Networking is about building genuine relationships 💛 Friendships can be a powerful asset. They provide support, advice, and opportunities. 💛 Staying updated is crucial, being it a new course, reading industry blogs. 💛 Setback teaches you valuable lessons for growth.  💛 Different backgrounds and viewpoints lead to richer discussions and better solutions 💛 Lifelong learning keeps you relevant and adaptable. 💛 Mentorship is a two-way street. 💛 Consistent and valuable social media presence can establish you as an authority in your industry Congratulations to Dr. Raphael Sofoluke and the team for organising such a brilliant event! Thanks to Jayne Hume and Indie Love Gordon for the invitation to speak. I’m already looking forward to the next one. ======================= Hello! 👋 I'm @Adefunke Larigo, I advocate for cultural consciousness and anti-racism in decision-making within adoption and fostering, to transform outcomes for Global Majority 🚀 Follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, Join in, connect, engage, and share your ideas and comments. DM or email 💌 to work together! 🤍💛💙

My first thought was, "Why has this never been in my purview? Why was I in the dark?" I had barely logged into the webinar when I heard one panellist share their experience of discovering the challenges in the adoption of Black children. Their voice tinged with frustration. Revisiting my notes from the Black Adoption Project webinar in February 2024, it occurred to me that I didn’t share the lessons i took away from the webinar and that prompted this post. The session explored the theory of change for the Black Adoption Project, a collaboration with Adopt London and LBTC. This initiative aims to bridge gaps and improve outcomes for Black children waiting for families. The discussions were rich with insights and a shared determination to create meaningful change. In terms of challenges and barriers, the room seemed to grow heavier with these issues; Systemic racism 🚧 Adoption delays ⏳ Trust issues 🤝 Prospective adoptive parents need confidence in the adoption process and its support systems Yet, the key areas of focus were presented not just as bullet points but as vibrant pathways toward a better future: Children: Envisioning a future where adoption is celebrated in schools, with unique stories embraced and valued. Families: Lowering barriers to adoption, building trust, and offering tangible support. Communities: Fostering warmth and unity through community support and understanding. Workforce: Equipping the workforce to support diverse families and address racism head-on. Systems: Reimagining systems to meet the needs of Black children with continuous improvement and innovation. As the webinar concluded, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advocating for these essential changes. The voices of the panellists, filled with passion and resilience, stayed with me. Question for you: How can schools better integrate and celebrate the unique stories of adopted children?🤔 ======================== Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help forward-thinking adoption and fostering services improve cultural consciousness and anti-racism in their practice 🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #DEI  #AFDiT #PanelDiversity #AntiRacist #RacialDisparity #AdoptionAndFostering

I first came across Dr Tam Chipawe a few months ago, and I started to follow her work from then 🎉 So, when she invited me to the launch of the #AFDiT (Anti-Racist Framework in Decision Making), I didn't hesitate to hop on the 2-hour train ride to attend 🚆. The framework was founded by Dr. Tam Cane and developed by the research team at the University of Sussex, it emerged through the co-creation from people with lived expertise in interracial adoption and social work practitioners. Hearing about her 3-year journey of gathering evidence and working tirelessly to produce this framework is incredible. 📅 It was powerful to hear stories from adult adoptees and birth parents about the impact of interracial adoption on their lives. 🗣️ The crucial thing is how we use their stories and experiences to create better outcomes for the children waiting to be found families who understand their cultural needs and identities and are willing to do what it takes to meet those needs. Black children continue to be overrepresented in care and wait an average of 7 months longer in the adoption process before moving in with their adoptive family compared to their white counterparts. ⏳ Something captured her heart for this work and I thank her for ongoing passion. 3 things i took away from the day; 1️⃣ Panel advisors testified that using AFDiT gave them the confidence to challenge social workers' reports and capture evidence of how applicants are being prepared to adopt a child of a different ethnicity. 2️⃣ The framework ensures that specific information from birth families is captured in the assessments, so if followed as directed, would provide fuller info and prevent gaps of narratives in children's life story work. 3️⃣ The framework helps practitioners confront their race consciousness, biases, power and understand how it relates to others. The question I am left pondering is how can this framework be used to confront and rectify the biases within the panel setting, to make them more effective and inclusive? To download this tool for yourself, see the link below: What are your thoughts and experiences with this framework?. ======================== Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help forward thinking adoption and fostering services improve cultural consciousness and anti-racism in their practice 🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #AdoptionAndFostering #DEI #AFDiT #PanelDiversity #AntiRacist #RacialDisparity

What are you doing on Saturday, June 15th 2024? 💛 I’m speaking at the Birmingham Black Business Show Am inviting you to join in at #BIRMBBShow then. Here's why you should attend: 🎤 Panel discussions with industry experts 🎶 Keynote speaker Levi Roots 🔧 Engaging workshops 🤝 Networking opportunities to connect with your next customer or partner 💼 Careers zone and business hub for valuable insights 🛍️ Over 100+ businesses showcasing for the ultimate black shopping experience Get ready to gain knowledge, make connections, and support black-owned businesses! Secure your spot now and mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of empowerment and inspiration. See you there! 🎫 Tickets from just £40! 🎫 Don't miss it! Book your tickets on the website (see comments for link) 🤔 If you have been before what was the highlight for you? ====================================== Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help adoption and fostering agencies recruit and retain diverse and underrepresented people🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #DEI #PanelDiversity #Birmbbshow #BlackExcellence #Inspiration #KeynoteSpeaker #BirminghamBlackBusiness

Having spent 18 months working with 24 agencies across England, auditing their panels’ diversity efforts, here's 3 things we've shared with them about creating more inclusive panels: 🌟 1. Annual Audits: Regularly auditing panel diversity strategies reveals gaps that often go unnoticed. By tracking demographic data and gathering member feedback, agencies can adjust recruitment efforts for lasting change. 🌟 2. Clear Diversity Plan: Building a proactive and culturally aware panel is essential for effective representation. Develop and monitor a comprehensive diversity strategy with clear goals. 🌟 3. Prioritise Training: Equip your whole team with knowledge and confidence through targeted training programs. Including, Anti-racism training through CPD can help panel personnel spot and prevent biased behaviour while fostering inclusivity. 💡 Want to know how we can help your agency improve its panel diversity strategies? Connect with us to start reshaping your panel into a more inclusive, effective decision-making group that better serves children and families. hashtag #AdoptionAndFosteringPanels hashtag #DiversityInFostering hashtag #DiversityInAdoption hashtag #RepresentationMatters hashtag #DEI ======================== Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help adoption and fostering agencies recruit and retain diverse and underrepresented people🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 hashtag #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙

This time last year ……. I was busy avoiding the idea of applying for the Launchpad competition Thought of speaking in front of a large audience put me off Kept ignoring the ad when i saw it But i eventually Sent off my application What did I write? I can barely remember, but it landed me a place as one of the four finalists! Though I Didn’t win. But here’s is what i gained; * Coaching * First pitch opportunity 🎤 * Creativity ✨ * Growth 🌱 * Confidence boost 💪 * Chance to be a role model for my children 👨👩👧👦 * My daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit Those 4 minutes on stage taught me valuable life lessons. To use my voice boldly for change If you're still here, reading this, and something inside you is whispering "maybe I should..." Trust that voice. Go to Birmingham Black Business Show website and apply now. You can thank you me later 🌟 ======================= Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help adoption and fostering agencies recruit and retain diverse and underrepresented people🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #DEI #PanelDiversity #Launchpad #Birmbbshow https://lnkd.in/eEaZCpzr

Three years ago, I started on a journey  To infuse cultural diversity into adoption and foster panels.  I had no idea how profoundly it would transform the landscape. 🚀 Last week, I saw the reaching impact of our work.  An adoption agency reached out after discovering the research  I led on with the Regional Adoption Agencies (RAAs).  The Director explained how the insight report  Provide further clarity for their team  "We need this for our staff and panels" 🗣️ Hearing her words  Helped me realise that this is a vital resource For leading agencies  This fills me with immense pride and purpose. 🌟 But here's what I've learnt so far;  This is only the beginning Not everyone gets your vision You'll kiss lots of frogs before you discover your prince/ess Not everyone smiling with you is for your success Get a community around you, this can be lonely work You'll make loads of mistakes but treat them as data and keep moving forward We're still on this journey of transformative change,  Lots more to do to modernise adoption practices  Change takes time,  So, I remind myself; This is a marathon, not a sprint. 🏃♂️🏃♀️ Thanks for reading and Happy Friday to you. Share in the comments, what have you learned on your journey? ================= Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help adoption and fostering agencies recruit and retain diverse and underrepresented people🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection  #DEI  #PanelDiversity  #DiversityInAdoption  #CulturalDiversity #ChangeMaker Ps Our report (Insights Report on Panel Ethnic Diversity) is published on the Adoption England Website. See link in comment  Image taken by Kate Hollingsworth

When I was just 15 years old,  My family and I left Nigeria for England.  I'll never forget my first steps off the plane in mid-December,  Taking that first breath of winter air  It felt like I was choking, unable to breathe in the cold ❄️. The next three years were a profound battle with my identity. At that age, in a completely new country,  Embracing your heritage isn't always easy.  This helps me connect when working with families Supporting unaccompanied young people At school, kids would ask if I have lived in a mud hut  As a teenager,  Fitting in seemed like an easier way to be accepted.  But as I've got older and wiser, I've grown not just to accept  but to take immense pride in my Nigerian roots 🇳🇬. Now, as a mum,  I relish sharing stories of my childhood with my children.  My daughter especially cherishes her Nigerian heritage.  Always seeking opportunities to educate her friends about clothing and culture. Recently, we've been watching Michael Palin's series,  Which has rekindled many things I love about Nigeria. Here are three fascinating insights from the series: 1. By 2050, Nigeria's population is expected to nearly👥. 2. Nearly 60% of Nigerians are under the age of 25 🚼. 3. We Naijas, as we affectionately call ourselves, are vibrant, friendly people brimming with diverse creativity. For me, this series is a reminder of how our heritage  shapes our present and future.  If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend it.  I’d love to hear your thoughts! ================= Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help adoption and fostering agencies recruit and retain diverse and underrepresented people🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection  #DEI  #PanelDiversity  #DiversityInAdoption  #PersonalJourney #Nigeria  #MichealPalinInNigeria