CoramBAAF Adoption Conference 2026: Can modern adoption meet the needs of today's children and families?

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CoramBAAF is hosting its Adoption Conference on Monday 11 May 2026 at the Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ.

This conference is set to become a key event in the calendar of all those working in or within the adoption sector but also including family finders, support workers and those working with adopted adults. It is a conference that brings together practice and ideas that are current, relevant to you, and which matter.

Join us for an engaging event designed to inform and connect adoption professionals from across the country. You'll have the opportunity to get up to date on critical topics, gain valuable insight, share your perspective and be part of the conversation. 

CHAIR 

Satwinder Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer, Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK

KEYNOTE

Hon Dame Mrs Justice Frances Judd DBE, High Court Judge, Family Division, High Court of Justice, England and Wales

PRESENTERS

Jane Poore, Adoption Consultant, CoramBAAF

Rachel Blades, Associate Director ECORYS UK

Dr Sarah Hamilton, Senior Research Manager, Ecorys

Julie Selwyn, Emeritus Professor of Education and Adoption, Rees Centre, Department of Education, University of Oxford

Emily Frith, CEO Adoption UK

Julie Elliot, Clinical Director Adoption UK,

Julia Whitehead, TV Assistant Producer, former child protection Social Worker

Euan Preston, Chair, the POTATO Group, campaigner against cuts to ASGSF

Clare Solomons, Adoptive parent and campaigner against cuts to ASGSF

Arlene P. Weekes, Associate Professor at University of Birmingham

Adam Walters, Agency and Panel Adviser at Adopt Thames Valley

Ellie Johnson, Health Consultant CoramBAAF

Dr Lynn Snow, Paediatrician and Churchill Fellow

Karina Graham, Involvement and Communications Assistant, PAUSE

PROGRAMME 

9.30am - 10am | Registration 

Check in with our team, say hello to colleagues and have a tea or coffee 

10am | Welcome 

Keynote address: Recommendations for best practice in adoption; 18 months on

Hon Dame Mrs Justice Frances Judd DBE, High Court Judge, Family Division, High Court of Justice, England and Wales

Family Routes Longitudinal Study

Rachel Blades, ECORYS UK

Julie Selwyn, Emeritus Professor of Education and Adoption, Rees Centre, Department of Education, University of Oxford

Refreshment break - CoramBAAF Bookshop, and networking  

Refreshments in the reception area and browse our bookstall. 

Ensuring adopted people and their families get the support they need

Emily Frith, CEO Adoption UK

Can modern adoption meet the needs of today's children and families?

Jane Poore, Adoption Consultant CoramBAAF (Chair)

Julie Eliot Clinical Director Adoption UK,

Julia Whitehead - TV Assistant Producer, former child protection Social Worker

Euan Preston – Chair, the POTATO Group, campaigner against cuts to ASGSF

Clare Solomons – Adoptive parent and campaigner against cuts to ASGSF

Workshops round one 

Delegates will attend the first of their workshops

LUNCH

Food and refreshments will be available in the reception area. This will be another opportunity to browse the bookstall and posters 

Workshops round two 

Delegates will attend their second workshops

Highlights from the workshops - workshop leads

Adoption panels essential or obsolete? – debate

Arlene P. Weekes, Associate Professor at University of Birmingham and Adam Walters, Agency and Panel Adviser at Adopt Thames Valley

Adoption panels essential or obsolete? – debate

CLOSE

Opportunity for networking

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you can take from the day?

  • Consideration of how modern adoption has changed: learn about the latest recommendations, and evidence from lived experience, practice, legal, and research perspectives
  • Evidence-based strategies to apply in adoption practice: develop your approach based on current and emerging policy, practice, and research evidence from across the adoption sector.
  • Ideas for improving your practice: including best practice in recruitment, health, post-adoption support, access to records, and supporting birth families

WHY ATTEND?

  • Grow your network: Connect with social care professionals who share your passion for improving outcomes for children and families 
  • Improve your skills: Gain fresh insights to take your practice to the next level in supporting stability and well-being for adopted children and families
  • Stay informed: Keep up with the latest research and developments in the adoption sector 

FEES 

Early bird discounts are applied at the checkout page. 

Early bird sale until 20 March 2026 23.59pm 

Full or associate CoramBAAF member £174.40 + £34.88 VAT - £209.28 

Individual CoramBAAF member £139.20 + £27.84 VAT - £167.04 

Non-member £244 + £48.80 VAT - £292.80 

Prices from 21 March 2026 00.00am 

Full or associate CoramBAAF member £218 + £43.60 VAT - Total £261.60  

Individual CoramBAAF member £174.00 + £34.80 VAT - Total £208.80  

Non-member £305 + £61 VAT - Total £366.00 

You will receive your booking confirmation within 7 days of placing your order. If you have not received by this time, please contact us by email using the below.

CONTACT

Telephone: 0207 520 7520 / 0310

Email: events@corambaaf.org.uk

£305.00