CoramBAAF Fostering Conference 2026: Fostering reform - The opportunities, challenges and realities

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CoramBAAF Fostering Conference: Fostering Reform – the opportunities, challenges and realities.

As the government advances its latest fostering reforms, all fostering services are facing significant changes to policy, practice and guidance. Our theme for this year’s conference reflects the evolving national picture, covering the implications, and impact, of national reform on fostering practice across the country.

Join us for an engaging event designed to inform and connect fostering service professionals from across the country. You'll have the opportunity to get up to date on critical topics, gain valuable insight, share your perspective and be part of the conversation.

CHAIR

Hanan Al-Najjar, Foster Carer and Co-Chair of CoramBAAF's Fostering Advisory Committee

PRESENTERS

Helen Hayes MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, Chair of the Education Select Committee

Jonathan Bacon, Deputy Director Children's Social Care, Department for Education

Department for Education, representatives

Linda Briheim Crookall, Head of Policy and Practice Development, Coram Voice

Care-experienced Consultants, Coram Voice

Rebekah Pierre, Deputy Director, Article 39, Registered Social Worker and Author

Elrose P. Lindsey, Foster Carer

Jenny Alexander-Brown, Foster Carer

Megan Chapman, Foster Carer

Trevor Elliot MBE, Former Foster Carer, Founder of Children We Care For

Roxy Wilson, Recruiter

Judy Wilson, Child Liaison Officer

Millie Kerr, Strategic Anti-Racist Practice Lead, Brighton and Hove City Council

Matt Taylor Roberts, Founder, Proud 2 b Parents

Maria Griffiths, Social Worker, Surrey County Council

James Bury, Head of Policy, Research, and Development, and Interim Managing Director (alongside Michelle Bell), CoramBAAF

Steven O'Reilly, Foster Carer, and Co-Chair of CoramBAAF's Foster Carer Advisory Committee

Alexandra Conroy-Harris, Legal Consultant, CoramBAAF

Augusta Itua, Legal Consultant, CoramBAAF and Chair of the Racial Justice Family Network

PROGRAMME

9.30am - 9.50am | Registration

Check in with our team, say hello to colleagues and have a tea or coffee

9.50am | Welcome

Hanan Al-Najjar, Foster Carer and Co-Chair of CoramBAAF's Fostering Advisory Committee

Keynote address

Helen Hayes MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, Chair of the Education Select Committee

'A fostering system that meets the needs of children now and in the future'

Helen Waite OBE, Director, Department for Education

Department for Education, representatives

What reforms mean for practice

Emma Fincham, Fostering Consultant, CoramBAAF

Roxy Wilson, Recruiter

Judy Wilson, Child Liaison Officer

Refreshment break - CoramBAAF Bookshop, and networking

Refreshments in the reception area and browse our bookstall.

From surviving to thriving: the seven drivers of wellbeing for children in care

Linda Briheim Crookall, Head of Policy and Practice Development, Coram Voice

'Involved and informed': care-experienced perspectives on fostering reform

Rebekah Pierre, Deputy Director, Article 39, Registered Social Worker and Author

Care-experienced Consultants, Coram Voice

Workshops round one

Delegates will attend the first of their chosen workshops listed below

LUNCH

Food and refreshments will be available in the reception area. This will be another opportunity to browse the bookstall and posters

Workshops round two

Delegates will attend the second of their chosen workshops listed below.

Listening to foster carers: moving toward a sustainable foster care system

Elrose P. Lindsey, Jenny Alexander-Brown, Megan Chapman, Trevor Elliot MBE

Close

WORKSHOPS

Delegates will have a choice of two of the four workshops listed below.

Workshop one | Care, culture, and courage: recruiting and supporting foster carers to meet the needs of black and global majority children

Millie Kerr, Strategic Anti-Racist Practice Lead, Brighton and Hove City Council

In this session, delegates will consider how recruitment practices can enable foster carers to support the cultural, and identity needs of black and global majority children. It will discuss the importance of preparing carers to confront racial discrimination and support anti-racist practice, as well as, looking at supporting children and carers through a trauma-informed, and racial trauma lens.

Workshop two | From intention to action: best practice for LGBT+ foster carers

Matt Taylor Roberts, Founder, Proud 2 b Parents

Maria Griffiths, Social Worker, Surrey County Council

In this session, delegates will explore how fostering agencies can move from intention to action in creating inclusive, affirming, and evidence-informed practice for LGBT+ foster carers. Structured in two parts, it will first explore the recently updated Form F in relation to demographic data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity, and how meaningful data creates a foundation for equitable service design. Secondly, it will draw on a new practice note aimed at strengthening inclusive, trauma-informed, and affirming recruitment practice.

Workshop three | Consultation space: shaping reform through practice-led insights

James Bury, Head of Policy, Research, and Development, and Interim Managing Director (alongside Michelle Bell), CoramBAAF

Steven O'Reilly, Foster Carer, and Co-Chair of CoramBAAF's Foster Carer Advisory Committee

In this session, delegates will be looking at two key strands of the public consultation on fostering reform. The first will be looking closely at the removal of fostering panels to make recommendations for the initial assessment of foster carers and for the one-year annual review process. The second, will be looking at allegations and standards of care with a view to making the process fairer and more transparent. This is an excellent opportunity for delegates to find out more about the proposals and how they can engage with the consultation process and that practice insights inform CoramBAAF’s response to the consultation in order to influence national policy development. Share your perspective and be part of the conversation on Fostering reform.

Workshop four | Legal implications of fostering reform

Alexandra Conroy-Harris, Legal Consultant, CoramBAAF

Augusta Itua, Legal Consultant, CoramBAAF and Chair of the Racial Justice Family Network

In this session, delegates will join our legal consultants, Augusta Itua and Alexandra Conroy-Harris, as they unpack the reforms from a legal perspective. The workshop will explore the implications for fostering services and foster carers, including key challenges, opportunities, and legal realities. It will also consider the impact of the proposed changes to assessment processes and the handling of allegations of abuse.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understand fostering reform: learn about the latest changes in laws and government rules. Find out how they affect foster families and your daily work.
Apply evidence-based strategies in fostering practice: Develop approaches based on current research evidence to better support all foster families
Interpret and respond to sector wide developments: Navigate upcoming changes to fostering recruitment, service structure, and innovative models of fostering with confidence

WHY ATTEND?

Grow your network: Connect with social care professionals who share your passion for improving outcomes for children and families
Improve your skills: Gain fresh insights to take your practice to the next level in supporting stability and well-being for foster families
Stay informed: Keep up with the latest policy, research, and developments in the fostering sector