On 29 April 2025, Adoption England hosted Adoption – Moving Forwards, a national conference held in London. The event brought together professionals, researchers, and those with lived experience to engage in meaningful dialogue around the future of adoption in England.

The event explored a wide range of themes central to modern adoption practice, encouraging collaboration and reflection across the sector. It was officially opened by members of the Youth Forum, whose reflections and contributions helped set the tone for a day centred on lived experience and meaningful dialogue.

The morning featured three keynote speakers, each offering a distinct perspective grounded in research and community engagement. Emily Frith (Adoption UK) spoke about Engaging the Adoption Community, highlighting the importance of inclusive dialogue and sustained support. Sarah Hamilton and Rachel Blades (Ecorys) shared early findings from the Family Routes study, providing valuable insights into the experiences of adoptive families. Professor Elsbeth Neil (University of East Anglia) delivered a keynote on The Journey to Permanence, drawing on her extensive research into permanence, contact, and post-adoption support.

In the afternoon, delegates participated in a series of eight breakout workshops covering diverse and significant topics. These included: the role of early permanence and birth family contact in building children’s resilience; a holistic approach to youth and education in adoption; the Black Adoption Project; birth mothers’ perspectives; the Becoming a Family Framework; young people’s voices; engagement with the adopter community; and collaborative efforts to establish an adult adoptee group. Each session provided a space for discussion, learning, and the exchange of ideas between professionals and individuals with lived experience.

Attendees represented a broad spectrum of organisations, including local authorities, regional and voluntary adoption agencies, health and education providers, and community groups. This cross-sector attendance fostered valuable networking opportunities and the sharing of practice across different disciplines.

Reflecting on the day, Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England said: 

“The conference has been amazing. The amount of passion and enthusiasm in the attendees – including practitioners, young people and people with lived experiences – about how they want to improve and make things better was really uplifting and shapes the future.”

Adoption England extends sincere thanks to all keynote speakers, workshop facilitators, and attendees for contributing to the success of the event. The level of engagement and the quality of discussion throughout the day highlighted a collective commitment to listening, learning, and continuously improving adoption practice across the country.