Building better social care in Wales
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… Read More
Abstract In England, there are an estimated 120,000 children living in kinship arrangements, only a minority of which are in formal, legally secure arrangements. Evidence shows that children from minority ethnic groups, and Black children in particular, are underrepresented among children living in these formal kinship arrangements. Kinship carers from Black and Asian communities participated… Read More
Abstract Young carers are children and young people who have caring responsibilities for familiy members. Previously considered as a small group with substantial roles who access specialist young carer projects, prevalence estimates of 17% in Wales (School Health Research Network, 2023) suggest they should be investigated as a larger but more diverse population in terms… Read More
Abstract Unpaid carers sustain the social fabric of Wales, yet remain invisible within systems designed for their support. Despite over a decade of implementation through the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, the recent 2026 Senedd report, Unpaid Carers: At Breaking Point, reports carers begging and fighting for help, with only 1.5% receiving formal support… Read More
Abstract This session will outline research findings on the experiences of Nearest Relatives and Approved Mental Health Professionals of the Mental Health Act and share details of a new and free online resource for Nearest Relatives about their role in the Act. The research identified the emotional challenges faced by carers/family members when they are a… Read More
Abstract Adult Practice Reviews (APRs) provide a vital opportunity to learn from cases where adults at risk have experienced significant harm or death, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses within safeguarding practice. Commissioned by the National Independent Safeguarding Board (NISB) Wales, this 2025 thematic review analysed 25 APRs covering incidents from 2016–2022, with the aim of… Read More
Abstract Self-neglect presents distinctive challenges and can have high stakes for individuals’ self-care, health and wellbeing. It often requires extensive collaboration, which can involve some, or all, of: Social Care, Health, Fire & Rescue, Housing, Environmental Protection, the police and voluntary sector organisations, among others. Several Safeguarding Adults Reviews attest to the logistical, interprofessional and… Read More
Abstract Research has shown that dementia makes adults more susceptible to abuse and neglect. The Care Act 2014 provides local authorities and other agencies in England with duties to safeguard adults from such abuse with partnership being a key principle. However, little is known about social care and health professionals’ views and practices on partnership… Read More
Abstract Discriminatory abuse refers to forms of harassment that target a person’s protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. It is an under-reported category of abuse and little is known about how practitioners approach this work. This presentation will… Read More
Abstract This webinar will present the findings from a three year project exploring the needs and outcomes of autistic children in care in Wales. This study was undertaken in three parts, involving a variety of methods. Part one involved analysis of linked data using the SAIL Databank to understand more about the numbers of care… Read More
