Restoring Connection: Paul Nixon on Transforming Child Welfare Through Relational Practice

2025-07-11

What would it take to transform child welfare into a system rooted in healing, trust, and human connection? In this powerful episode, we speak with Paul Nixon, an independent social worker and internationally recognized leader in restorative practices. From his early work in the UK to consulting across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, Paul has spent decades championing relational approaches that honor the voices of those most impacted. Now contracted with Vermont’s child wel...

What would it take to transform child welfare into a system rooted in healing, trust, and human connection?

In this powerful episode, we speak with Paul Nixon, an independent social worker and internationally recognized leader in restorative practices. From his early work in the UK to consulting across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, Paul has spent decades championing relational approaches that honor the voices of those most impacted.

Now contracted with Vermont’s child welfare system, Paul shares insights from his current work helping transform services to become more relational, connected, and family-centered. He explores how restorative practices challenge punitive models and instead prioritize listening, accountability, and meaningful engagement with children, families, and communities. This conversation is both deeply practical and visionary—highlighting what’s possible when we lead with empathy and prioritize relationships at every level of the system.

Transcripts & show notes @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

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