Read our news updates to find out about our latest views, work and developments.
Today, the Government confirmed in a written ministerial statement that applications to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) can be made for therapy which continues into the next financial year (2026 - 2027). James Bury, CoramBAAF’s Head of Policy, Research, and Development, shares an overview of the ministerial statement.
Based on theory and research from decades ago, which hasn’t been updated, attachment theory is often misunderstood in child and family social work, with training focusing too much on categorising children. This article draws from the latest research to share eight key concepts, debunk common myths, and offers a refreshed curriculum to help social workers use the theory more effectively.
Cathy Jermey, Designated Nurse and Improvement Lead for Children in Care and Care Leavers, reflects on this year’s Annual Health Conference. She highlights how implementing research recommendations, acknowledging intersectionality, and striving for better, aids in shaping an equitable, diverse and inclusive practice.
Recent cuts and delays to the ASGSF have disrupted vital therapeutic support for adopted and kinship children, forcing reduced sessions and limiting parental support. Social workers are adapting, but the risks to family stability and children’s wellbeing are growing.
The latest edition of 'Adoption & Fostering' covers topics including allegations of abuse against foster carers, non-violent resistance training for children and their parents or carers and the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions in care-experienced young people.
CoramBAAF welcomes the Education Committee’s report on children’s social care, which highlights urgent issues such as a shortage of foster carers, inadequate mental health support, and poor outcomes for care leavers. The report makes key recommendations to improve the system, and calls for strong Government action to better support vulnerable children and families.
The Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’ has highlighted online risks, to which children in care are especially vulnerable due to trauma and separation. CoramBAAF offers resources to help carers and professionals support digital safety and the mental health of children. These include guides, risk tools, and age-appropriate books for children.
Ellie Johnson, CoramBAAF’s Health Consultant, highlights recent reviews that reveal a gap between policy and practice in health services. Today’s Annual Health Conference invites us to ask: are children in care truly receiving the fair and equal support promised by the NHS?
Once again, we are asking our members to take part in our private fostering survey. CoramBAAF would like to support a better understanding of this often hidden group of children, by asking our members about private fostering in their local authority.
Dr. Lynn Snow, a paediatrician and Churchill Fellow, explores the often-overlooked issue of post-adoption depression (PAD) and its impact on adoptive families, drawing insights from her research in the U.S.and Europe to inform change in the UK. She is now championing a new pilot in Leicester to embed emotional wellbeing support for adoptive parents within the health visiting service, aiming to normalise and proactively address PAD at every stage of the adoption journey.
You can also keep up to date by by signing up to our newsletters or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
For all media enquiries please contact the Coram press office.
