Anita Huggins

I currently work as a Deputy Team Manager for a recently created Regional Adoption Agency.  I have worked for Local Authorities for the past 21 years, initially as a Residential Social Worker, before qualifying in 2002. From 2002- March 2019 I worked for North Somerset Council, initially as a child protection social worker in their area teams and from 2009 as an adoption social worker.  I am now a Deputy Team Manager for Adoption West, taking a lead on Adoption Support in the Bristol office.

Since being in the Adoption Team I have assessed and supported adopters, as well as supporting child care social workers find permanence for children in care.

I have completed Level 1 and 2 Theraplay training, as well as NVR (advanced course).

I have taken the lead role in bringing DDP training to my previous authority and have facilitated peer supervision sessions, with the staff that attended the training.  I use DDP in my work supporting adoptive families, and specifically do DDP sessions with adoptive parents to help them in parenting their adopted children, and to address the issues adoptive parenting raises for them.  I also co-facilitate a SIG for social workers with Debbie Havill.

My qualifications include; MSc (Econ) in Criminology and Criminal Justice, BSc (Econ) in Psychology and Criminology, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, Post Qualifying Diploma in Social Work