Learning from ICAR9 – The Changing Landscape of Adoption: Research and Practice
The 9th International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR) was held at the University of Porto in July 2026. This was an opportunity for researchers, professionals, adopted people and adopters from across the globe to discuss ideas, innovation and information, together with best-practice and contemporary evidence in adoption. The shared goal is to contribute to the well- being of adopted people and their families.
In this session, we are delighted to be joined by a diverse team of specialists and academics who attended and presented at ICAR9, to discuss some of the learning and consider how this can apply to the children and families here in the UK.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Global perspective on adoption: Learn about the current research base and best practice internationally and how this fits in with your practice.
• Reflections on the lifelong nature of adoption – learning form ICAR9
• Explore development following early institutional deprivation – with insights from Insights form the Romanian Adoptees study
• Putting research into practice
PRESENTERS
Satwinder Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer, Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA)
Satwinder is a leader in the adoption sector, influencing national and international practice and policy. He is a qualified social worker with almost thirty-years of work experience in adoption, fostering and children in public care. Satwinder is passionate about how adoption needs to modernise and focussing this evolution on the needs, and experiences, of adopted people. At Changing Script he is also involved in driving change in organisations through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Satwinder is a TEDx speaker and a member of numerous sector Boards, including the Rees Centre, University of Oxford. Satwinder took up the role of CEO at CVAA UK in October 2023.
Jane Poore, Adoption Consultant, CoramBAAF
Jane is a qualified Social Worker with over 15 years' experience in fostering and adoption, assessing, matching and supporting adopters, alongside training prospective adopters. Jane has experience in working for both LA’s and VAA and was involved in the development of the Regional Adoption Agencies in the South West. Prior to joining CoramBAAF she was Agency Advisor in Somerset, for both Fostering and Adoption Panels as well as coordinating Agency Decisions for Children, amongst other pieces of work such as researching Long Term Placement endings.
Fiona Chikumbirike, Service Manager, Coram Intercountry Adoption
Fiona Chikumbirike is the Service Manager at Coram Intercountry Adoption, bringing over 19 years of experience in adoption and children’s services. She is a qualified social worker with extensive expertise in adoption assessment and support, therapeutic services, and service leadership. Throughout her career, Fiona has developed innovative support services for adoptive families and championed attachment and trauma-informed practice. Passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children, she is committed to supporting families throughout their adoption journey and delivering inclusive, high-quality services that meet the diverse needs of children and families.
Professor Jana Kreppner, Professor, University of Southampton.
Professor Jana Kreppner is a Professor of Developmental Psychology and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the University of Southampton. For over two decades, her research has examined how early childhood trauma, neglect, and institutional deprivation affect development across the lifespan. She is a core, long-standing collaborator on the landmark English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) Study, which has profoundly shaped global understanding of the effects of institutional deprivation and the positive impact of adoption on development. Dedicated to translating science into practice, she engages with regularly with relevant stakeholders to improve outcomes for care-experienced youth and vulnerable families.
WHO'S IT FOR
This session is for social workers, team managers, senior practitioners and anyone interested in international research on adoption.
For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).
FEES
Members: FREE (don't forget to log in to your account to receive your discount)
Non-members: £20+VAT.
Places on this event are limited, so early booking is recommended.
CONTACT
Email events@corambaaf.org.uk
£20.00