Jo Bonds

I have twenty years’ experience of working in child protection, out of home care, substance misuse, permanency and adoptions in the UK and NSW.  All of these roles I view as fantastic opportunities in building the knowledge base and experience on which I work from today.  Child protection was the most emotionally challenging role which stretches the most capable worker to their limits, but what an opportunity for learning and growth. 

Prior to relocating to NSW, my last role in the UK was as part of an adoptions team where my understanding of the complex needs of children in need of a forever family was harvested.  Being caseworker for both children (family finding) and prospective adopters (assessment and support) enabled the ‘whole picture’ to be fully understood.  I was fortunate enough to be trained by BAAF, now Coram BAAF, (British Association of Adoption and Fostering) and PAC (pre-adoption, post-adoption, permanency advice and counselling) during this time.  This professional development undoubtedly enhanced the training and consultation that I provided to prospective adopters and other professionals from this time onwards.   

Since 2010 I have worked in the field of permanency and I have a special interest in empowering carers and parents to build relationships with birth parents; in turn promoting positive messaging around blended families.  Supporting others to understand the importance of this in developing a child’s positive sense of self identity and increasing levels of self-esteem. 

I am also passionate about practice development, particularly around report writing skills.  In recent years I have been contracted to deliver training around undertaking assessments and writing good reports, as well as being contracted to develop assessment tools and practice frameworks for service providers.