Exploring Expertise: Learning from experience in overseas placement

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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 Lead Practitioner Alison Wheeler who will share her experience of placing a child in Australia from Brighton and Hove Council on a Special Guardianship Order. Covering all aspects from viability to placement, we will explore the challenges practitioners face in a real-world setting and how to navigate them successfully.

Alison will be joined by Sandra Latter, Specialist 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 Australia 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

Alison Wheeler, Lead Practitioner, Brighton and Hove City Council

Alison joined Brighton and Hove Children’s Services as a Social Worker in 2017. She has extensive experience in child in need, child protection, Court and looked after children. It was during this period that she worked with the family courts, including moving a child overseas to live in Australia. Previously, Alison worked at the Children’s Commissioner’s Officer supporting national projects and lobbying government on children’s rights issues. This influences her social work practice to date. Alison continues to work for Brighton and Hove Children’s Services and leads on work around child and adolescent mental health. In this role, she supports families, social workers and managers whilst developing wider policies across the local health and social care system.

Sandra Latter, Specialist 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 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

MEMBERS BOOK HERE