Adoption services are being reorganised to achieve a cohesive service across Wales. Proposed improvements to assessment & matching of children to families is intended to reduce the amount of time that children have to wait in care & increase the numbers who can be successfully placed for adoption. Often children placed for adoption will have been born into families where parents are struggling with drug or alcohol misuse & many have experienced abuse or neglect in their first few months or years. As a result they frequently experience difficulties in attachment which can cause significant difficulties throughout childhood & in later life. Where this is the case children & their adoptive families may need on-going support to help rebuild, promote & develop these critical bonds of attachment that will enable children to flourish emotionally, socially, physically, mentally & developmentally.

This half-day event will examine current research, policy & practice in Wales on what can be done to improve outcomes for adopted children.

During the morning delegates will have the opportunity to:

• Increase their understanding of the impact of early abuse & neglect on attachment & the implications for adopted children
• Raise awareness of how poor support can have long term consequences for adopted children & their families
• Consider evidence & practice in post adoption support

Who should attend? – This event is aimed at those who plan & deliver services for children & families, practitioners working with children & adolescents, academics undertaking research into adoption, attachment or neglect, adoptive & foster parents, & anyone with an interest in adoption &/or attachment. Attendance certificates can be issued to evidence CPD if needed.

Cost – £45 (£30 unwaged) includes annual membership.

Attendees receive automatic membership of ANW network for a year & are invited to participate in the AGM. Membership renewal is due in November for existing members.

ANW events are often oversubscribed, early booking is advised. To reserve a place, please contact Trish Rawlings at: trishrawlingsanw@hotmail.co.uk