More than 70 professionals from across the North East gathered for the first regional Kinship Staff Conference, celebrating the expertise, innovation and collaboration that exists within kinship services across the region.
Hosted through the North East Regional Kinship Operational Group, the event brought together colleagues from all 12 North East local authorities to share learning, explore best practice and strengthen support for kinship children and families.
The conference built on the success of the region's established operational network, which provides a forum for practitioners and managers to discuss complex cases, share ideas and challenge one another constructively. Through regular meetings, colleagues have exchanged local policies, assessment tools, support offers and service developments, helping to improve consistency and strengthen practice across the region.
Discussions have covered a wide range of topics, including Kinship Local Offers, Special Guardianship Support Plans, financial support arrangements and the implementation of national fostering and Families First reforms.
The idea for the conference originated from a kinship social worker who recognised the value of connecting with colleagues carrying out similar roles in other local authorities. From that simple suggestion grew an event designed to showcase the wealth of knowledge and experience that exists across the North East.
The programme featured presentations on support available to kinship families, including the Virtual School offer, Newcastle's Kinship Zones pilot and Kinship Compass. Delegates also took part in workshops covering topics such as developing local kinship offers, hearing the child's voice in assessments and care planning, private fostering and adopting a whole-family approach to support.
A key highlight of the day was an expert-by-experience panel featuring kinship carers and adults who grew up in kinship households. Their personal stories and insights gave attendees a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those with lived experience, helping to inform practice and reinforce the importance of keeping children connected to family and trusted relationships.
By bringing together policy, practice and lived experience, the conference strengthened professional networks, encouraged innovation and reinforced a shared commitment to improving outcomes for kinship families across the North East.