In November, we hosted the inaugural Adoption Forum event. Yesterday, we had the privilege of co-hosting the second Adoption Forum.
Led by Sarah Beskine, Sophie Hill and Dr Emily Phibbs from The Adoption Forum and chaired by Stephen Wildblood KC, this was a gathering of professionals, lawyers, and experts dedicated to advancing adoption practices and how contact is planned and supported. The event was packed with intentional and meaningful discussions, including:
Introduction of the proposed Best Practice Guide:
A comprehensive framework addressing legal, professional, and lived experience perspectives to ensure safe and meaningful contact arrangements, upon which the participants could provide feedback.
Research Highlights:
Groundbreaking studies on the experiences of adopted children and those under Special Guardianship Orders, presented by Dr Julie Young, who has undertaken research commissioned by The Adoption Forum.
Developmentally-Informed Framework:
Dr Chris Burke shared a powerful approach to assessing safe and meaningful contact, prioritising the emotional and psychological well-being of children.
Lived Experiences:
Kristy Holt shared her unique perspective as a birth parent and trainer, shedding light on the real-world impact and ongoing implications of court and social work processes.
The Forum emphasised collaboration across disciplines, with small group discussions and plenary sessions fostering shared learning and innovative ideas.
As we move into the next phase of implementing the Best Practice Guide, we’re inspired by the collective commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
A huge thank you to Stephen Wildblood KC for expertly chairing, and The Adoption Forum team and sponsors for organising such a meaningful event.
Look out for their upcoming article in Family Law, and please follow The Adoption Forum’s LinkedIn page for updates.
