Our health consultants develop a range of practice notes, briefings and other resources to support our members in their work with children and young people in care.
News and updates
Increasing access to evidence-informed mental health service provision for children in care in England – National recommendations for change
Twenty actionable recommendations to improve mental health service provision for this group of young people. Recommendations span commissioning practices, integrated service delivery, and workforce training.
Advertisement
Making the case for better mental health support for children in care
James Bury, CoramBAAF’s Head of Policy, Research and Development, shares reflections on a key report that has been launched this week. ‘Increasing access to evidence-informed mental health service provision for children in care in England – National recommendations for change’ was authored by Professor Rachel Hiller alongside key academic authors and contributors and has been supported by CoramBAAF, UCL and UK Trauma Council.
Read moreThe need for improved recognition of neurodevelopmental conditions in adopted and fostered young people
Young people who have been in foster care or adopted are more likely to experience mental health issues and developmental conditions like autism and ADHD. However, they and their families often struggle to get accurate diagnoses and feel let down by existing mental health services. This is partly because professionals may overemphasise attachment and trauma, missing common conditions like autism and ADHD.
Online First
Adoption & Fostering journal
The article explains that these children are at higher risk due to both genetics and life experiences, and unrecognised conditions can lead to worse outcomes. It calls for specialist services to provide thorough assessments and includes a case of a 16-year-old girl whose undiagnosed autism and ADHD caused serious harm.
Members, sign in to readAnnual Health Conference 2025
Prioritising equality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare for children in care
CoramBAAF’s Annual Health Conference brings together health professionals working with care-experienced and adopted children to focus on improving inclusive practices, with this year’s theme highlighting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Michelle Bond shares how the event encourages valuable learning, collaboration, and reflection on supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups in healthcare.
Read moreSOLD OUT
Join the waiting list
The annual health conference is a key event in the calendar of medical advisers, doctors and nurses working with care experienced and adopted children. It is a conference that brings together practice and ideas that are current, relevant to you, and which matter.
We are all aware of the huge pressures facing the NHS and social care. Our programme is geared toward helping professionals to navigate these challenges by highlighting the pathways toward better care for children and young people.
In our bookshop
All Books
My brother Booh has ADHD
This short booklet for children is part of a series designed to teach children about a range of health conditions common to many looked after children. This story about ADHD will be helpful for any child aged seven to 11 who finds it difficult to stay still or pay attention or whose behaviour frequently gets them into trouble. It will be equally useful for a child who knows someone with ADHD.
Read more
Oli and the pink bicycle
This short booklet for children is part of a series designed to teach children about a range of health conditions common to many looked after children. This story about Foetal Alcohol Syndrome will be helpful for any child aged seven to 11 whose development and behaviour has been affected by parental substance misuse, or who knows someone else who is affected.
Read more
Parenting Matters: Parenting a child affected by domestic violence
This book is part of CoramBAAF’s Parenting Matters series which explores many of the health conditions commonly diagnosed in looked after children. This guide explores domestic violence, its links with child neglect, and its effects on children at different ages and stages of development. It provides expert knowledge coupled with facts, figures and guidance presented in a straightforward and accessible style.
Read more
Parenting Matters: Parenting a child affected by parental substance misuse
This book is part of CoramBAAF’s Parenting Matters series which explores many of the health conditions commonly diagnosed in looked after children. This guide explores general issues around substance misuse and children entering care, as well as the impact on children of exposure to substances during pregnancy, and possible effects on children at different ages and stages of development. It provides expert knowledge coupled with facts, figures and guidance presented in a straightforward and accessible style.
Read more
CoramBAAF Conversations
Our podcast series is dedicated to exploring topics related to adoption, fostering and kinship care. We invite children's social care professionals and experts by experience to join us to share best practices, their experiences and knowledge.
Podcast episode
Episode 21| The impact of the online world on the mental health of care-experienced children
Dr. Vicki Walker shares her belief that everyone working in education, the police, social care, and the third sector has a role in setting an example and taking action. Vicki and Jane’s work is creating tools for social workers and children’s social care professionals to start conversations with children and young people about the online world and their mental health.
Listen hereEpisode 16 | Post adoption depression
Listen hereEpisode 9 | What is a health assessment?
Listen hereJoin our health group
Advertisement
Special interest group
The CoramBAAF health group provides our members with a forum to improve standards of practice for health professionals working in adoption, fostering, kinship and child care practice.
Find out moreJoin our practice forums
CoramBAAF’s practice forums provide our members with a unique opportunity to discuss professional practice and share knowledge and expertise with colleagues.
Advertisement
Join today
Our forums will help you to keep up-to-date about national policy and law, contribute to policy development, and refer topics and examples of good practice to CoramBAAF’s advisory committees.
Find out more