My name is Bonita and I am the Therapeutic Practitioner at CAF.  My role at CAF is really varied and interesting and I am lucky enough to work with many of the carers as well as the children.  I began my therapeutic career over 15 years ago when I trained as a counsellor and worked with vulnerable young adults. However, my passion has always been working with children and families and I soon continued my training in creative psychotherapy and attachment focused family therapy.

Today, I combine all the experience and knowledge I have gained through training, clinical support and therapy at CAF.  Attachment focused therapy is at the heart of my practice, and as CAF has been founded on the principles of DDP and therapeutic parenting, I am able to weave my experience and knowledge into the fabric of the organization.  Outside of CAF, I work as a clinical supervisor to other therapists and assist in the training and personal development of trainee play therapists.  In my spare time I love cooking and socialising with my family and friends; I also love being with my beautiful dog who accompanies me on many walks and indulges my sense of humour!

Hello my name is Shamayla Anwer, and I joined the CAF Team as Senior Practitioner.  I knew about CAF and all the amazing work they do as I have been an independent panel member for coming up to five years now.

In terms of my experience I have gained a varied amount of experience of working with Children in Care, Care leavers and UASC. I was also a Supervising Social Worker for the Local Authority. My most recent experience is of the Adoption and Fostering services as a Family Finder for the Local Authority.

Having sat on Panel as an independent member prior to starting my role of Senior Practitioner , I have seen CAF flourish and grow in so many ways, Julie and Jan, have maintained what they set out to do and that is put “Children Always First”.  I was so proud to be part of a dynamic, caring and therapeutic team as a panel member that having the opportunity to be a part of the team full time seemed like a really exciting venture for me one which I am thoroughly enjoying.

I am originally from Manchester but have lived in Crosby, Merseyside for the past 19 years with my partner Louise. I have one daughter, Emma aged 32, who lives in Manchester. When not working, I am usually out walking with Louise and my two dogs. We have Clyde, who is a beautiful, rescued street dog from Greece, and Ossie, a working Springer Spaniel who it would be fair to say keeps us on our toes! I also spend some time taking landscape and seascape photographs and following Manchester City around the country with Louise, which I have been doing for 52 of my 55 years.

I started off as a Drug Service Worker / Prison Worker in 1991 before gaining my qualification in Social Work. I qualified as a Social Worker in 1996 and hold the Diploma in Social Work. I also hold a BA (Hons) in Social Work & Social Policy from the University of Hull. Since then, I have worked in a Local Authority Safeguarding Team and as a Child Protection Officer with the NSPCC. I then worked as a Children’s Guardian, representing children in public care proceedings, before moving into the field of fostering in 2004.

Within the field of fostering, I have held positions as a Senior Practitioner, Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance Manager and Registered Manager. I have also been a Panel Advisor for three agencies and a Panel Chair for eight agencies & LA’s. I started my position with CAF in March 2021. This was a big step for me after working for myself for so long, but after meeting the team and developing an understanding of the ethos and values of the agency, I feel privileged to have been trusted with this role. The Senior management team value carers and the work that they do, and value the people that support them. It was lovely to find owners and a team that I could really relate to.

The work that fostering families and their Supervising Social Workers do to support and care for children and young people constantly amazes me. Their enthusiasm, selflessness and commitment to children is truly humbling and has been the inspiration for me to remain working in fostering for almost 17 years.

My creative background partnered with my enjoyment and passion for sports and outdoor activities have led me to develop a love for working with and caring about young people. I have seen how positive relationships benefit all young people but it is whilst working with those who face additional challenges, that I have seen how a strong connection can really help them to thrive.

I have joined CAF because of their commitment to ensuring young people and carers are provided with outstanding levels of individual support and guidance, unlike bigger, corporate organisations. CAF works around a therapeutic model of support which I believe is the magic that can help young people, particularly when times are tough for them.

In my spare time I enjoy many sports including football, golf and running. I’m also a keen musician and enjoy performing and watching shows and concerts.’

My name is Delroy Madden, my role at CAF is a youth worker role. I have previously worked as a youth support worker for a number of years and gained lots of valuable experience in supporting young people into moving in and sustaining their own accommodation also supporting them to engaging in education training and employment.

I decided to Join CAF to gain a working knowledge of the care system and to help children that are exiting care develop their own independent living skills.

I really enjoy working with young people my aims when working with young people are to help them reach their full potential and become productive members of society. I believe every young person should be given the opportunity to take part in activities and express themselves without fear of being judged or ridiculed.

My hobbies include music production, football and cooking the best part being the eating bit!

My name is Grace Lander and I have been a social worker for the last 10 years. I started my career in a Care Management team, before moving into a Children in Care team to support young people who are looked after. My social work career has given me the experience to support young people as well as their families/carers in many different circumstances, to really understand their needs. I have always enjoyed building and maintaining long term relationships with young people to help them reach their potential and to improve their long-term outcomes.

I have a passion for Attachment Theory and Dyadic Developmental Therapy and I am excited to be part of a close-knit supportive team, which has a therapeutic approach to practice.

As a person I am reflective, conscientious and consider myself to be a supportive colleague. I always have high expectations of myself and always willing to go the extra mile!