Contemporary attachment theory isn’t what you think it is: Informing the social work curriculum with the latest research

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.

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Education Committee: Children’s social care report published

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.

CoramBAAF bookstall

“Adolescence”: How online life can affect children and young people in care

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.

group of children smiling

From constitution to care: Making equality a daily practice

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?

Post-adoption depression needs to be normalised, expected and proactively addressed

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.

Jo Francis at bookstall

Supporting adoption journeys with trusted resources

At a recent adoption exchange day in London, CoramBAAF hosted a bookstall to share essential resources with prospective adopters and social workers. Popular titles like 'The adopter’s handbook' and 'Adopting a child' continue to play a key role in guiding families through the adoption journey.