CoramBAAF Annual Health Conference 2026: Understanding and improving the mental health of care experienced children and young people

EARLY BIRD ENDS SOON

Book now to join us on 22 June 2026 at Conference Aston, Aston Street, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET

The annual health conference is a key event in the calendars of health and social care professionals working with children in care, adopted children, care leavers, or their carers and parents. It is a conference that brings together practice and ideas that are current, relevant to you, and which matter.

Children and young people often describe access to mental health support as a “maze” or a “game of chance”. We will explore why this happens, drawing on leading research across health, social care, and therapeutic services. You will leave with strategies to develop your practice and a clearer understanding of how to improve mental health outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.

Last year’s conference sold out, and we strongly recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Recognise and respond to mental health needs with confidence: Learn how to identify when a child or young person needs support, and how to respond to distress, including handling disclosures of self-harm in a safe and appropriate way.
  • Choose the right support and referral options: Understand the services available and how to access them, so you can make informed decisions and ensure children and young people get the right help at the right time.
  • Work effectively with families and professionals: Build skills to support parents, carers, and colleagues, helping you provide joined-up care that improves mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

  • We are pleased to announce Professor Rachel Hiller, University College London and UK Trauma Council, as keynote speaker. She will explore how research can be more effectively translated into practice to improve outcomes for care-experienced young people.
  • Sessions from Dr Sophie Esnouf and Dr Maria Marcolin will present findings from the AEGIS Project on the mental health needs of children and young people seeking asylum, alongside discussions on online harms and suicide prevention.
  • Contributions from Ellie Johnson, Health Consultant, and invited guests will reflect on supporting children through the “Maze of A’s”.
  • The programme will also explore adoption support models, the use of IHA standards in guiding mental health care, and how professionals can better equip carers with the information they need.
  • Poster presentations on evidence of recognition, realisation and restriction of children's rights within medical advisers' practice, Somerset's health offer to adoption strategy, among other topics from Barbara Stewart, Consultant Paediatrician, Community Paediatrics, Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, Dr. Naila Nazi, MBCHB, MRCPCH, MSc (Public Health), Consultant Paediatrician and Clinical Lead for Paediatrics in Barking and Dagenham, Emma Johnson and Mairead Farrell, Designated Nurse Children Looked After and Care Leavers NHS Somerset, Dr Chaitra Singh-Mahadeo, Deputy Named Doctor CLA Lambeth, Evelina London 

More speakers and workshops TBA

FEES

Early bird sale until 24 April 2026 23.59pm. Discounts will be applied at checkout. 

Full or associate CoramBAAF member £184.00 + £36.80 VAT - £220.80 

Individual CoramBAAF member £156 + £31.20 VAT - £187.20 

Non-member £256 + £51.20 VAT - £307.20 

Prices from 25 April 2026 00.00am 

Full or associate CoramBAAF member £230 + £46.00 VAT - Total £276.00  

Individual CoramBAAF member £195.00 + £39.00 VAT - Total £234.00  

Non-member £320+ £64 VAT - Total £384.00 

CONTACT

Telephone: 0207 520 7520 / 0310

Email: events@corambaaf.org.uk

£320.00