Training & events programme

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. 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.

Decision makers in fostering and adoption agencies have a vital but often under-explored role. Many decision makers describe finding themselves in the role with little or no preparation, and with few arenas locally to share dilemmas or discuss best practice. What is the best process for reaching a sound decision? How can you avoid it simply becoming a ‘rubber-stamping’ exercise? What is your role in relation to the quality assurance of the panel’s activities? How should a decision maker appraise a panel chair? What does a reasonable decision look like? How should it be conveyed?

This two hour training will provide an overview of the legal and practice issues regarding Convention Adoption for children being placed abroad. There will then be ample time to discuss issues regarding Convention Adoption overseas cases during a case study and group discussion.

A specialist briefing for case management systems specialists, practice leads, data and performance leads, social work practitioners and CoramBAAF forms contacts

Analysing adult health assessments is a key element of assessing adopters and foster carers. This includes providing reports and evidence-based comments so that panels can reach appropriate decisions. This course is designed to support medical advisers in their role. It is particularly suitable for new or inexperienced medical advisers.

The role of the panel administrator is a multidimensional one. Effective adoption and fostering panels are crucial to the delivery of a good adoption and fostering service, and the provision of services for looked after children. The efficient administration of panels, including the provision of clear and accurate minutes, is a skilled and complex task that is essential to the smooth and effective operation of panels. This open course will enable adoption and fostering panel administrators to examine related legislation and share best practice though group discussion and practice application.

This open course will explore issues and dilemmas in the Agency Decision Maker (ADM) role and provide a useful basis for self-audit and future decision making. It will be co-facilitated by a legal adviser, giving you the opportunity pose questions for some of the challenges you face as Agency Decision Maker. Please note this session is for those considering Best Interest Decisions for children as part of the care planning process.

This course is an opportunity to delve deeper into how to write analytical and evidence-based assessments of any kind.

This open course will explore issues and dilemmas in the Agency Decision Maker (ADM) role and provide a useful basis for self-audit and future decision making. It will be co-facilitated by a legal adviser, giving you the opportunity pose questions for some of the challenges you face as Agency Decision Maker. Please note this session is for those considering adopter approvals.

Panel advisers have a complex role in managing the relationship between the agency and the panel, quality assuring and feeding back to all involved in panel work. This open course will enable panel advisors to examine this role in detail and build on effective practice as they carry out their role and responsibilities including: quality assurance; inducting new panel members; contributing to the appraisals of panel members; feeding back issues to the agency and working with the agency decision maker. Case scenarios, group work and practice application will provide opportunities for panel advisors to address shared dilemmas and good practice.