Exploring Expertise: Learning from experience in overseas placement
Overseas placements can feel like a step into the unknown. But exploring these placements can begin the journey toward a lasting, stable and loving home. It is vital that professionals build their confidence in international placement to maximise positive outcomes for the children they work with.
In this session, we will be joined by Senior Solicitors, Catrin Hughes and Lauren Logan who will share their experience of attempting to place children in two different areas of Germany from Enfield Council on a Special Guardianship Order. Covering aspects from viability to placement, we will explore the challenges practitioners face in a real-world setting and how to navigate them. Although focused on Germany, you will pick up tips on how to navigate overseas cases in general.
Catrin and Lauren will be joined by Sandra Latter, Outbound lead and Senior Adviser, with the Outbound Permanence team who will set the context and ask questions to further illuminate the process, highlighting good practice in overseas placement. This is a great opportunity for social workers and lawyers alike to hear a step-by-step approach to an overseas case in Germany on a Special Guardianship Order.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· Understanding the process – Gain insight into the key steps of an overseas placement, from viability assessment to final placement.
· Overcoming challenges – Learn how to navigate legal, practical, and logistical challenges in international placements.
· Best practice insights – Hear real-world experiences and expert advice to build confidence in placing children overseas.
PRESENTERS
Catrin Hughes and Lauren Logan, Enfield Council
Catrin and Lauren are senior solicitors with Enfield Council’s Safeguarding legal team. They have recent experience of dealing with potential placements of children in UK care proceedings with kinship carers overseas in Germany.
Sandra Latter, Outbound lead and Senior Adviser, Outbound Permanence Team
Sandra rejoined Coram on a part-time basis in July 2023 having previously worked as a Coram Associate setting up and developing a range of services for 15 years. Most recently, she jointly managed the Advice and Information Service at IAC- the centre for Adoption with lead responsibility for the Outbound Permanence service.
Sandra takes the lead on the Outbound advice service for local authorities and has been the driving force behind the creation and development of workshops and resources for local authority staff involved in children moving overseas to live with kinship carers. Sandra is a qualified social worker and has substantial experience in child protection, looked after children and adoption settings in both local authority and VAA's. She has been a freelance social worker and Independent Reviewing Officer for the past 20 years. She also sits on our Kinship Advisory Committee.
WHO'S IT FOR
This session is for social workers and legal teams working with children in the UK. It will also be valuable for team managers, and anybody interested in learning more about the practical considerations for overseas placements.
FEES
FREE - Members Only. This event is exclusively for CoramBAAF members.
Places on this event are limited, so early booking is recommended.
CONTACT
Telephone: 0207 520 7520 / 0310
Email: events@corambaaf.org.uk