Amanda works with a person-centred approach on a holistic level, and multi-disciplinary working is an important aspect of her work. She supports children and young people placed with UK Fostering in various ways, for example by enhancing the understanding and knowledge of a foster carer or social worker in relation to a child, or by doing some direct work with a carer, a child or a social worker. Amanda is a fantastic resource to have on board with UK Fostering to challenge perceptions, expand horizons, and ensure every child, regardless of their level of skills and abilities, experiences a welcoming family life, feels loved and cared for, and has their individual needs met.
Amanda is a social worker with specialist knowledge in working with children with a disability. Even before graduating at Manchester University in 2009, she worked with children and young people with additional and complex needs for a Local Authority, and this remained her main interest for many years to come. Amanda also worked in a team organising and overseeing short breaks for children with a disability, served as a panel member and worked as a Supervising Social worker.
Alongside her professional experience of children and young people with additional and complex needs, she also has personal and practical experience of disability as a mother of a young person who has autism and a sensory processing disorder. Amanda feels that this gives her a key insight into some of the practical experiences of living with and managing disability.