Children need the stability, security and certainty achieved by effective permanence; adoption, permanent fostering and kinship care provide this where children cannot live with their parents. It is vital that legislation, policy and practice continue to develop in a way that is child centred. We have already experienced enormous change in these sectors and are likely to continue to do so, particularly in light of the findings of the Independent Care Review which brought about The Promise.
This year’s conference is a timely opportunity for those involved in permanence to reflect on how we can adapt to meet these challenges. It is our first in person conference in 3 years and we look forward to welcoming back our members and colleagues for this popular annual event.
We are sure that this will be an informative and thought provoking day where delegates will have the opportunity to discuss their own experiences and views and meet with our Speakers.
It will be chaired by The Hon Lady Carmichael, judge of the Supreme Court and designated as a family judge in the Court of Session.
Following our tradition of inviting informed and stimulating speakers we are delighted to welcome our first guest speakers;
- Sir Andrew McFarlane is President of the Family Division, Royal Courts of Justice; he will provide an insight into the legal landscape of permanence in England and Wales.
- Sheriff Daniel P Kelly sits in Glasgow Sheriff Court: he was previously a Children’s Reporter and procurator fiscal.
- Dr Mandi MacDonald, Queens University, Belfast is a Researcher/Social Worker whose research focuses on: assessing and enhancing parenting capacity; the experience of family life in permanent placements; post-adoption contact; adoptive parenthood; and kinship care.
- Joanna MacDonald, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser with the Scottish Government.
- Panel of Carers: lived experience of kinship carer, foster carer and adopter. This year, for the first time, there will be a panel of carers who will speak about their experience of the process and the impact it has had on them and the children living with them.
The conference will take place on Thursday 10 November in Dundee.