Conference 2022
Uniting to shape a better Care Experience for Black Children and Young People in England’s Children’s Social Care System
On Saturday 12th February 2022, we hosted our first Conference to hear from our Black Care Experienced and those who work in Children’s Social Care, to raise a united voiced call to action to improve the care and outcomes for the next Black and In Care Generation.
With England’s Independent Children’s Social Care Review underway, the Conference was also held for the Review to hear more about the black care experience. The Review is the Government’s way of reviewing children’s social care system to make sure children and young people are getting and will get the support they need.
The Conference also gave us the opportunity to understand whether there was a need to bring together a community of proactive and diverse supporters to engage in projects and initiatives, to see that every Black Child and Young Person remains connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through Children’s Social Care System.
The Workshop style Conference featured a Black Care Experience Guest Panel, along with a Keynote from the Chair of England’s Independent Children’s Social Care Review. We were also treated to a Spoken Word and Rap Performance, both carrying powerful, uplifting and vibrant messages about the black care experience.
Josh MacAlister was announced as Chair of the Independent Review of children’s social care in January 2021 and took up his post in March 2021.
The Review is expected to report in Spring 2022.
Our Black Care Experience Guest Panel
(Left to Right),
Ric Flo,
Henrietta Imoreh,
Keeley Stephenson and
David Akinsanya.
The Conference was attended by delegates from across England’s Children’s Social Care Workforce, the Voluntary Sector within Children’s Social Care sector and Black Care Experienced. Together we were able to be honest and open about the challenges faced by those who are black and in care, and share best practice and solutions for how we can make their care journey better.
The Conference strengthened our vision to see that every Black Child and Young Person remains connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through Children’s Social Care System, and confirmed that this can be made possible by bringing together a Network of diverse Children’s Social Care Workforce and Voluntary Sector within Children’s Social Care, to learn and improve their practice, through the Voiced Lived Experiences of those who are Black and In Care and by sharing best practice.
Conference Photos can be found here.
What People Are Saying
“This is probably the best conference I’ve attended. Passionate and compassionate in every aspect. Thank you so much.”
— Emma Fincham-Siley, Fostering Consultant, CORAM BAAF
“Thank you so much for this informative event. I have learnt a lot from everyone. We need more of this on our different regions.”
— Tammy Mutisi, Social Worker
Hear more Black Care Experience Conference 2022 Testimonials
“It is a life changing event that will be a positive legacy in the near future. May it never stop here. Thank you Judith and the crew, more grace to continue.”
— Beatrice Archibong, Foster Carer
“I am so glad that I took the time to spend with likeminded Professionals who want to make a difference and change in shaping lives.”
— Beverley Michaels, Manager
