Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ian Forber-Pratt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ian, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Establishing my practice in child welfare reform was a journey filled with determination, challenges, and invaluable lessons. It all began with a deep-seated desire to change the narrative for children in India. Growing up as an international adoptee, I had always felt a yearning to go back and make a difference for children who, like me, had been born in challenging circumstances but hadn’t found the gift of family.

In April 2011, I took a significant leap of faith. I sold nearly all my possessions and moved to Udaipur, India, armed with seed money from my colleagues at The Coalition. My vision was clear: to create a foster care system that would protect children from abuse and neglect and place them in safe and loving families rather than institutions. This vision, however, required a comprehensive understanding of the local culture and systems. I spent countless hours researching child welfare systems, reaching out to every contact and organization I could find in the field, and navigating the complex bureaucracy of the Indian government.

Registering a non-governmental organization (NGO) was one of the first significant challenges. The process was grueling, involving persistent efforts and overcoming numerous bureaucratic hurdles. But perseverance paid off. A pivotal moment came when I secured support from Core Assets in the UK. Their financial backing and network of professionals provided the much-needed boost to my efforts.

However, the journey was fraught with challenges. The initial resistance from government officials was daunting. I vividly remember standing in a cluttered, sweltering government building in Rajasthan, India, waiting for hours to meet the Director of the Department of Child Rights, only to be dismissed within minutes. It was the first of many rejections. Introducing the concept of foster care required changing deep-seated cultural mindsets about family and child welfare, which was no small feat. Operating with limited funds and facing resistance at every turn was exhausting and nearly led to burnout.

I believe that every step has shaped me into a leader, mentor, and human being who is willing to serve the world. I am paradoxical, messy, and always learning. My advice to any person wanting to follow their passion and start a practice? Be humble, bold, urgent, and patient. These may seem in conflict, but they are part of the journey. Find time for yourself in the midst of the tiring push for success; you have this.

Ian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ian Forber-Pratt, MSW, and I work globally to support educational and nonprofit organizations with strategic planning, program development, and theories of change. I currently serve as the Deputy Executive Director at Children’s Emergency Relief International (CERI), where my work spans multiple countries, including Guatemala, India, Moldova, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and the United States. I am also an adjunct professor at Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work and a member of the Board of Trustees at Principia School and College, a private educational institution in Missouri and Illinois, USA.

My journey in this field has been deeply influenced by my personal experiences. Born in India in 1980, I was adopted as a newborn. As I grew older, I discovered that the adoption agency and hospital where I was born were involved in a child trafficking ring. This revelation significantly shaped my commitment to child welfare and protection. I also struggled with alcoholism from 2000 to 2006 due to challenges with identity and belonging but have been sober since February 6, 2006.

My professional journey began after earning a Master’s in Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University. I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in Learning Design and Leadership from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My training covers various topics, including social change theories, applying policies in practice, teaching strategies, and alternative care for children who have been sexually exploited or trafficked. I also advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

At CERI, I manage five country offices and lead efforts to engage national and state governments globally in policymaking and capacity-building in child care and protection system reform. My work focuses on transitioning from institutional to family-based care. Previously, I served as the Director of Global Advocacy & Growth and the India National Program Director at CERI.

As an adjunct professor at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, I teach courses in social policy, leadership, management, and communication. My role as a professor allows me to share my knowledge and experience with future social workers, equipping them with the tools to create meaningful change.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to child welfare, rooted in my personal experiences and professional expertise. I specialize in counseling adoptive families, focusing on identity, root search, and cultural competence. My multicultural and multireligious background allows me to navigate diverse cultural contexts effectively, promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive practices.

I live with my partner, Nargis, and our two children, Zane and Inaya, in St. Louis, Missouri. Our semi-arranged marriage crosses cultural (India/United States), religious (Christian/Muslim), and economic differences, reflecting my belief in the power of human connection and embracing contradictions.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Embracing the concept of paradox and valuing each and every human relationship is vital for anyone, as it fosters a mindset of adaptability and empathy. In any professional field, one encounters situations where opposing forces coexist, requiring a balance between different perspectives and approaches. By understanding and accepting these paradoxes, individuals can navigate complexities with greater resilience and creativity. Additionally, recognizing the significance of human relationships enriches one’s professional and personal life, fostering collaboration, support, and continuous learning. This is especially crucial in child protection and global nonprofit work, where the stakes are high, and the challenges are multifaceted. Professionals in these fields often deal with sensitive, emotionally charged situations that require both compassion and strategic thinking. Embracing paradoxes allows them to address immediate needs while working towards long-term solutions. Moreover, valuing relationships ensures that they can build trust with vulnerable populations, collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and create sustainable, impactful change in the communities they serve.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I’m not afraid of the messiness of the human condition in the workplace. Pouring into the team is essential for creating a thriving, cohesive, and productive work environment. Embracing the concept of love in the workplace involves showing genuine care, respect, and support for each team member. By acknowledging a power greater than ourselves in appropriate and inclusive ways, we foster a sense of purpose and interconnectedness that transcends individual efforts. Starting each day with motivation, sharing, and lifting each other up sets a positive tone and reinforces a culture of collaboration and encouragement. Considering ourselves proximate to one another means building strong, empathetic relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries that ensure safety and respect. This balance allows us to connect deeply, support each other’s growth, and collectively work towards shared goals with a sense of unity and compassion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianforberpratt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-forber-pratt-753b0311/
• Other: https://youtu.be/IJS11eQWQ84?si=3OBikLVUXjMj0up0