Annual Adoption Lecture 2026

Abstract

Adoption in England is at a critical point, shaped by increasing complexity in children’s needs, system pressures, and the need for more responsive, evidence-informed practice. This presentation explores how Adoption England—a national collaboration of Regional Adoption Agencies—is driving a modernisation agenda by listening to people’s experiences and using evidence to guide the work.

Central to this work is the integration of evidence with the voices of adopted people, birth families and adopters to shape policy, practice and service design. The presentation highlights a significant culture shift towards maintaining relationships (“staying in touch”), promoting approaches that recognise the lifelong importance of identity, connection and belonging. It also examines the growing evidence base for early permanence, demonstrating improved stability, fewer moves for children, and stronger attachments.

Alongside this, the presentation outlines the development of a new national model of adoption support—one that is timely, trusted and effective, anticipates need, responds early when risks emerge, and is better coordinated across adoption, health, education and social care.

While focused on England, the learning has strong relevance for Wales, offering transferable insights for practitioners and policy makers seeking to strengthen adoption services through evidence-informed, relationship-based approaches within their own legislative and practice context.

Biography

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead, Adoption England.

Sarah has been the National Adoption Strategic Lead working with Regional Adoption Agencies since September 2021. Prior to taking up this post, Sarah was the Head of One Adoption West Yorkshire, the first Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) in England. Sarah has over 30 years’ experience as a social worker and has worked for Leeds City Council developing fostering, adoption and kinship services.

Sarah is a firm believer in restorative practice and developing services based on research and evidence of what works well. Key to this approach is hearing from those with lived experience so they can influence decisions and services that affect their lives. There are experienced social workers and RAA leaders working with Sarah regarding the progression of practice issues within the strategy as well as supporting the involvement of and voice and influence of experts by experience.

The lecture will be held on Monday 13th July, 2:00 – 3:30pm. It will be an online event.