Presenter: Professor Katy Burch, Institute of Public Care

Babies in care proceedings – what do we know about parents with learning disabilities or difficulties?
Presenter: Professor Katy Burch
Date: Tuesday 8th October
Time: 1 – 2pm
Location: Online, ZOOM
Biography
Professor Katy Burch is an assistant director at the Institute of Public Care, Oxford Brookes University where she has been leading research into aspects of children’s social care across England and Wales for over 20 years.
Abstract
This webinar will explore findings from a major new study led by Professor Burch in England (published by NFJO, 2024) exploring the prevalence and experiences of parents with learning disabilities or difficulties with babies in care proceedings. The study builds on earlier (2019) research in Wales exploring similar themes for Welsh Government.
A major finding from the 2024 study includes that, in over one third of recently concluded care proceedings involving babies, at least one parent had learning disabilities or difficulties. What does this mean for services and professionals working with children and families at risk of entering care?
This 1 hour webinar will consider this and other findings from both studies regarding parent experiences and their implications for national policy makers, local authorities and people working in the family courts (judges, barristers and solicitors).
It will also offer an opportunity for questions and reflections from people joining the webinar.

This webinar is part of our Autumn 2024 ExChange Wales Conference ‘Being Seen, Heard and Valued’.
You can find out more about the conference and sign up to our other webinars here: