The culture of ‘spotting what’s wrong and telling people how to fix it’ is deeply ingrained in the adoption and fostering panel world. Our ambition is to shift practice from a top-down, hierarchical ‘triangle’ that critically examines the work of social workers to a ‘circle’ process that is more respectful, appreciative and supports learning from success. In our work we aim to raise awareness and to promote an alternative model, with practical strategies for panels to build on in their own ways. AI is providing a route map for the journey.