Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 20h

📣For a limited time we are offering 10% off this expert-led training on FASD only!

Just use code FASD10 when booking online via the link below 👇
#Adoption #Socialworkers #SocialCare #FASD #Adoptiveparents #Children

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 15d

🍂 New Half-Day Training!

CVAA online: What Social Workers Need to Know When Assessing & Supporting Adoptive Parents with Children Affected by FASD – Told Through the Eyes of an Adopter

🗓 15 Oct 2025 | ⏰ 10:00–13:30 | 🎓 3.5 CPD hrs
💻 Online | with Joy Hopgood-Gravett

👉 Book now: bit.ly/48zeRvc

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 15d

🍂 New Half-Day Training!

CVAA online: What Social Workers Need to Know When Assessing & Supporting Adoptive Parents with Children Affected by FASD – Told Through the Eyes of an Adopter

🗓 15 Oct 2025 | ⏰ 10:00–13:30 | 🎓 3.5 CPD hrs
💻 Online | with Joy Hopgood-Gravett

👉 Book now: bit.ly/48zeRvc

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 22d

✨ It’s that time of year again! ✨
CVAA’s 2026–27 Practice Programme 3 min questionnaire is now open – and we want your input!
We’d love to hear:

🔹 Your experience this past year
🔹 Topics/experts you’d like to see
🔹 If your agency could run a session

📅 Closes end of Nov
👉 bit.ly/4nGi2pq

CVAA's Practice Programme 2026-27 Questionnaire (3 mins)

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 24d

Great to join @adoptionuk.bsky.social at the 2025 Barometer launch yesterday. Valuable insights from Josh MacAlister MP who pledged to champion adopted children & families. Challenges still remain but CVAA looks forward to future discussions with the Minister to shape the future of adoption support.

From left to right: Natausha van Vliet, Chief Executive at PACT; Emily Frith, Chief Executive Officer at Adoption UK; and Alice Talbot, Director of Strategy and Policy at CVAA UK standing in front of an Adoption UK pull up banner.

From left to right: Emily Frith, Chief Executive Officer at Adoption UK and Josh MacAlister MP standing in front of an Adoption UK pull up banner.

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 28d

The latest @adoptionuk.bsky.social #AdoptionBarometer is out. www.adoptionuk.org/the-adoption...

More than half of families with teens & young adults are facing severe challenges.

We back the recommendations esp. calls for permanent funding for therapeutic support, as part of a lifelong approach

Adoption Barometer

The Adoption Barometer is the only UK-wide comprehensive stock-take of adoption. It's based on the findings of a large annual survey. It provides powerful evidence of the realities of adopting and bei...

www.adoptionuk.org

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · 29d

🍂 This Oct, CVAA brings 3 expert-led online trainings (all half-day):
👩‍👦 Keeping Birth Parents in mind throughout the Adoption Journey – 8 Oct
🧩 FASD & SW Practice – 15 Oct
🧒 Recruitment & Therapeutic Placement Strategy for children waiting the longest – 23 Oct

👉 Info & booking: bit.ly/45Jh3NQ

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Aug 21

🚨 New 3x 1-hr online Short & Smart sessions for #Adoption Panel Chairs, Members & Advisors.

Focused learning on questioning, influences & health issues in panel practice 💷 £25 per session | ⏱️ 1hr | 🎟️ 50 places only 📅 Dates 30th Sept, 16th Oct, 10th Dec bit.ly/45Jh3NQ
#Adoptionpanel #Adoptionsupport

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Aug 12

Adoption professionals: We know #ASGSF changes hasn't just cut support—they’ve forced many to adapt quickly to evolving therapeutic needs of adoptive families. Join ‪@sussex.ac.uk‬ & @worcesteruni.bsky.social‬ focus groups or 121 interviews to shape future funding
👉 bit.ly/47buKHN

The Impact of Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) on Adoption Services and Therapeutic Services: Research Study

We appreciate that the government’s decision to reduce ASGSF funding has been a difficult one, affecting how services are responding to the needs of children and families in need of therapeutic suppor...

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Aug 7

🚨 Parents/carers affected by #ASGSF delays/cuts: Have your say! 🚨

📋 Fill out a 5–10 min survey to share how changes have impacted your family.

📅 Deadline: Mon 29 Aug
🕒 Early responses needed!

📢 Amplify adoptive families voices to show the impact of cuts and shape the Fund’s future: bit.ly/46LBrA0

ASGSF Parent Carer Impact Survey (Post-April 2025 Changes)

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 24

Parliament started summer recess this week, and that means no #ASGSF decision until September.

Here's our blog about it 👇
cvaa.org.uk/blog-a-devol...

We need 1. A full & proper consultation prior to any decisions about future reform & 2. An adoption support model with fair access for all children

Blog: A devolved ASGSF risks loss of fairness and transparency for children – Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies

cvaa.org.uk

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 23

"A charity coalition is calling for an urgent review of the government’s “abrupt and short-sighted” cuts to adoption support, which they claim is a breach of a Labour manifesto commitment to support adoptees" www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
@cypnow

Charities call for urgent review of adoption support funding - CYP Now

A charity coalition is calling for an urgent review of the government’s “abrupt and short-sighted” cuts to adoption support, which they claim is a breach of a Labour manifesto commitment to support ad...

www.cypnow.co.uk

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 22

Delays & reductions in support are having devastating consequences for children & families. Govt suggestions that local authorities can/will cover shortfalls in funding are misleading.

There are both moral & economic reasons to review the cuts, and we need action now.
cvaa.org.uk/cvaa-signs-j...

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 22

Today CVAA & @adoptionuk.bsky.social @wearecoram.bsky.social @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @barnardos.org.uk @familyrightsgp.bsky.social wrote to @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social calling for an urgent review of the April #ASGSF changes, confirmation of funding in 2026 & full consultation on future reforms

1 1

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 10

🚨Want to explore why maintaining relationships in adoption matters for identity & life history?
Join our HALF DAY training session on Maintaining Relationships in Adoption: Why Does Adoption Need to Change & How Can We Achieve This?
19th August | 10am–1:30pm | With Ruth Copson (UEA)
bit.ly/45Wox1E

Maintaining relationships’ in adoption: why does adoption need to change and how can we achieve this? – Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 7

CVAA data shows most of our member adoption agencies exceed the 27% voluntary sector average of applications from the #LGBTQ+ community 🏳️‍🌈 Their inclusive and respectful services are making a real impact — with Adoption Matters leading the way in the North! 🙌 #Adoption

Adoption Matters @adoptionmatters.bsky.social · Jul 7

#AdoptionMatters welcomes enquiries from the LGBTQ+ community this week and every week 🥰

🌈 Read all about LGBTQ+ #adoption here: buff.ly/CkpWj6I

-

#YouCanAdopt #AdopterChoice #LGBTQ+

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jul 1

The first report from the #FamilyRoutes study is out:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684c4e...
There's much to be taken from this - esp. the recommendation for thorough assessments of need pre-Order & informed advice about the implications of children's needs in the longer-term #adoption

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

1

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 30

An important new report with stark findings about the daily lived experiences of adoptive families navigating teenage years @thepotatogroup.bsky.social . Calls for a more trauma responsive approach to #adoptionsupport must be factored into govt's current consideration of the future of the #ASGSF

The POTATO Group 🥔 @thepotatogroup.bsky.social · Jun 30

Published today: Our research report, Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from lives Impacted by Trauma.

Based on the experiences of 438 adoptive families, it reveals long-term impact of early trauma and urgent need for better support.

Read here:
www.thepotatogroup.o...

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 25

🚨 HALF DAY Practice Webinar – Book Now! 🚨
Topic: Assessing & Supporting Single Adopters
🗓 Thurs 17 July | 🕙 10am–1:30pm
🎓 With Mahongo Shibemba & Penny Rowntree (Adopters for Adoption)
🔍 Explore research, good practice & practitioner insights on single adopters.
👉 Book here: bit.ly/44j4Ezo

Assessing and supporting single adopters – learning from research and good practice – Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 24

Its #SmallCharityWeek, an opportunity to celebrate the contribution that charities make to #Communities in the UK. Take a look at how to get involved and the free events taking place throughout the week below:
bit.ly/43ZttRW

Event listing | Small Charity Week

This is an events listing page for small organisations to share their local Small Charity Week events.

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 12

🚨 Back by popular demand! 🚨
Join our HALF DAY Practice Workshop:
"Working with Traumatised Adopted Children & Calming the ANS"

🗓 Wed 25 June | 🕙 10am–1pm
🎓 Led by Jay Vaughan, CEO, Family Futures CIC

Support traumatised children and yourself as a professional.
👉 Book now: bit.ly/4e2fVIH

Working with Traumatised Adopted Children and Adults and Calming the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) (Repeat Session due to High Demand) – Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies

bit.ly

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 10

📣Today VAAs from across the UK have launched the third ‘advice from adopters’ guide, focusing on advice from those who have adopted children from Black and other diverse ethnicities.

📘 Read the new guide below + explore our other guides in the series here: bit.ly/3ZrSwum

cvaa.org.uk

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · Jun 3

🎉 Huge congrats to YAA on its new community engagement project tackling adoption disparities! 👏 Led by Skye, YAA’s first Community In-Reach Worker, who is supporting Black African & Caribbean families. Hear her talk all about the new project on @BBCSheffield 🎧👇
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yTb...

Skye at YAA talks adoption with Sile Sibanda BBC Radio Sheffield 23rd May 2025

YouTube video by Yorkshire Adoption Agency

www.youtube.com

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · May 27

📣 Our CEO Satwinder Sandhu speaks out in Community Care on ASGSF funding cuts:

"Thousands of children are being denied the therapies they need. Proven trauma-based therapies are being compromised by arbitrary limits."

Read more ⬇️
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/05/23/a...

Almost half of Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund awards last year exceeded new £3,000 limit - Community Care

Data shows thousands of care experienced children will go without the therapy they need due to government cuts to ASGSF payments, warn charities

www.communitycare.co.uk

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · May 22

👏 Fantastic to see our CEO Satwinder Sandhu along with other passionate voices at yesterday’s adoption roundtable with the Children’s Minister — speaking up for adoptive families & the future of the Adoption Support Fund. 💬 These vital conversations must continue. #ASGSF

2 1

CVAA UK @cvaauk.bsky.social · May 21

Important article from CYP Now showing the scale of children affected by recent #ASGSFcuts - over 7,000 adopted children & close to 2,000 kinship children had support costing £3k-£5k last year

limit'https://www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news/half-of-adoption-therapy-cases-could-exceed-new-funding-limit

Half of adoption therapy cases 'could exceed new funding limit' - CYP Now

Just under half of approved applications for therapeutic support for adopted children made last year were above the government’s new funding limit, figures have revealed.

www.cypnow.co.uk