Please note this workshop is only for those living/operating in the following Local Authorities: Barnet, Camden, Cumbria - Cumberland, Cumbria - Westmorland & Furness, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Lambeth, Waltham Forest.
Family Rights Group estimates that there are at least 164,000 children in England and Wales growing up in kinship care. Research evidence suggests that when birth parent contact goes well, long term outcomes improve for all parties.
This half day workshop will focus on the raw realities of the human experience of contact for all those affected by kinship care and special guardianship orders. We will explore the pragmatics of contact, the emotion of contact and consider multiple perspective on these.
By examining the complex human dynamics at play as well as seeking simple and deliverable solutions to aspects of these we will journey through what is important but complex territory.
Benefits of attending:
- Develop insight into why kinship care can be so tough for all parties
- Consider the meaning behind the behaviour and actions of all parties
- Reflect upon the impact (positive and negative) of contact for the child
- Understand more about your own contribution as a practitioner to promoting positive contact
PAC-UK Training Workshop Facilitators
Judith Ellis, PAC-UK Special Guardianship Practice Manager. Judith joined PAC-UK in 2017 after 15 years in local authority supporting adoptive and kinship families, which included managing a local authority team. Judith – a social worker and therapist – delivers individual and group work, therapeutic parenting, advocacy and training to special guardians and kinship carers.
Jo Stopps, PAC-UK Special Guardianship Development Worker. Jo joined PAC-UK in 2024 and is a qualified social worker. Jo helped to develop a SGO service in a local authority to offer tailored support to special guardians. Jo is passionate about helping carers to process their experiences leading to SGO and improving relationships with professionals to best support their child.
