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Andrew Isaac brings decades of leadership experience in children's social care to this eye-opening discussion about the state of foster care in the UK. As Chair of BSN Social Care and the Children's Services Development Group, Andrew offers rare insights into both the frontline challenges and policy considerations shaping outcomes for vulnerable young people.

The conversation tackles the alarming 30% increase in children entering care across England since 2010, examining how this surge has stretched resources and created unprecedented challenges. Andrew expertly dissects the intersection of funding constraints, outdated legislation, and shifting societal dynamics that complicate effective care delivery. His passion for early intervention shines through as he shares compelling economic data: every pound invested in proper care yields sixteen pounds in lifetime returns, with potential savings of nearly a billion pounds from the justice system alone by reducing the number of care-experienced young people in prison.

Most poignantly, Andrew addresses what he calls "the cliff edge at 18" – the arbitrary point where young people transition overnight from comprehensive support to navigating multiple agencies independently. The statistics are heartbreaking: care leavers are seven times more likely to commit suicide than their peers. Through powerful anecdotes and evidence-based insights, Andrew makes a compelling case for extending meaningful support beyond this artificial boundary.

The discussion also explores the delicate art of foster carer recruitment and retention, highlighting the importance of honest conversations that address concerns while emphasizing the profound difference carers make. Andrew shares touching success stories alongside practical strategies for supporting carers through challenging placements and transitions.

Whether you work in social care, are considering fostering, or simply care about society's most vulnerable members, this conversation offers essential perspective on how we might better support young people to achieve what one expert calls "the great aspiration of children in care" – an ordinary life. Subscribe now to join this important conversation about creating lasting positive change for generations to come.

Andrew’s Bio

Andrew is a highly accomplished leader within heavily regulated healthcare, children’s services and special needs education environments.  

Andrew is the Chair of BSN Social care, the parent company of six of the UK’s leading foster care agencies servicing much of England and Wales.

Andrew is also the Chair of the Children’s Services Development Group (CSDG), a coalition of leading independent providers of care and specialist education services, who work closely with policymakers, regulators and local authorities to develop policy solutions that will ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. 

Andrew was previously the marketing and communications manager for the National Fostering Agency, which is when we first interacted with each other. I was under the impression that he retired some time ago, but as we will hear that does not appear to be the case.

Disclaimer

Information reported by guests of this podcast is assumed to be accurate as stated. Podcast owner Colby Pearce is not responsible for any error of facts presented by podcast guests. In addition, unless otherwise specified, opinions expressed by guests of this podcast may not reflect those of the podcast owner, Colby Pearce.

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