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
