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Family Finding for Long-Term Foster Care: A Toolkit

Agencies have their own policies and procedures regarding family finding for long-term foster care. This toolkit is designed to support these and to offer a set of helpful resources that can be used individually or collectively throughout the family finding process.

Published 7 February 2025 By Coram

50 years of getting young voices heard

Coram Voice is the first and longest continuing voice for the child in care. As we mark its first 50 years, we call for a renewed commitment to listening to and acting on the views of children and young people who depend upon the support of children’s services to realise their right to be heard.

Published 3 February 2025

Family Harmony evaluation report

The Family Harmony programme is delivered by the Coram Parenting and Creative Therapy Service as part of the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme (RPC), funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Published 5 February 2025 By Sibilla Robutti, Narendra Bhalla, Hannah Lawrence and Max Stanford

Coram Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts 2023/2024

Coram's Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024. The report sets out how Coram worked throughout the year 2023/24 to deliver better chances for children through the Group’s seven key outcomes.

Published 27 January 2025

The Door is Still Closed

This report, 'The Door is Still Closed', published by the Coram Institute for Children, finds that local authorities are routinely failing in their legal duties to children aged between 16-17 years old who become homeless, leaving them without the support they are entitled to.

Published 28 December 2024 By Coram Institute for Children

Family Harmony Toolkit

The Family Harmony Toolkit has been developed in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions in response to research highlighting the impact of harmful conflict on children’s lives. The toolkit aims to help practitioners working with families to prevent and reduce conflict.

Published 19 December 2024 By Coram Creative Therapies team

Meta-synthesis and meta-analysis of evidence on child marriage in South Asia

In 2024, Coram International conducted a meta-synthesis and meta-analysis of existing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce rates of child marriage in South Asia.

Published 16 December 2024 By Dr Amelia Smith, Kara Apland, Freya Allery and Ramyah Harrichandiran
Published 12 December 2024

Mental Well-Being amongst Parents and Carers from Minoritised and Marginalised Ethnic Backgrounds: A Rapid Evidence Review

The review was conducted by Coram alongside an evaluation of the Community-Based Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Support Pilot funded by the London Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and the Major’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This review is not part of the VRU-funded work and is being published by Coram.

Published 6 November 2024 By Amaka Udeagbaja, Max Stanford, Mia Johnson and Richard Ollerearnshaw

VRU Community Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Support Pilot Evaluation

The pilot forming the basis of this report emerged from the Violence Reduction Unit’s (VRU) public health approach to violence, based on evidence that supporting the whole family should be a part of an integrated approach to reducing violence. The VRU appointed and funded Groundwork and Midaye to deliver the pilot across the two services.

Published 6 November 2024 By Lizzie Gilbert, Richard Ollerearnshaw, Amaka Udeagbaja, Hannah Lawrence, Max Stanford, Daniel Stern, Lucas Jones, Mia Johnson, Narendra Bhalla and Alice Coombes

VRU Practitioner Briefing Report

This briefing report is for practitioners and services who support service users with their emotional well-being and mental health – particularly service users from minoritised and marginalised communities.

Published 6 November 2024 By Richard Ollerearnshaw, Lizzie Gilbert, Amaka Udeagbaja and Hannah Lawrence

Diversion and Alternative Sentencing of Children in Conflict with the Law in Papua New Guinea

This report contains key findings from a deep dive study on the use of diversion and alternative sentencing of children in conflict with the law in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The study was commissioned and led by the National Juvenile Justice Committee (NJJC) with the support of UNICEF.

Published 1 November 2024 By Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke and Ramyah Harrichandiran

ASG Agency-Level Data Q1 2024-2025

Data gathered for Q1 2024-2025 about adoption and special guardian orders from voluntary adoption agencies (VAA) and local authorities (LA) across England.

Published 31 October 2024
Published 1 October 2024 By Dr Claire Baker and Linda Briheim-Crookall

Research into case holding responsibility in support of the National Adoption Strategy

Adoption England commissioned Coram to undertake research exploring case holding responsibility practice in Regional Adoption Agencies (RAAs) in England, in support of the National Adoption Strategy.

Published 25 September 2024 By Kevin Yong, Hannah Lawrence, Emily Blackshaw, Daniel Stern and Jane Poore

ASGSF Insights 2024

This report provides annual statistics for 2023/24 about the use of the ASGSF

Published 12 September 2024

Local Level ASG Data Q4 2023-2024

Data gathered for Q4 2023-2024 about adoption and special guardian orders from voluntary adoption agencies (VAA) and local authorities (LA) across England.

Published 12 September 2024

Holiday Childcare Survey 2024

In its 19th annual survey, Coram Family and Childcare finds that holiday childcare costs have jumped by 6% since 2023.

Published 19 July 2024 By Lydia Hodges, Emma Goddard, Alicia Knights-Toomer and Sam Shorto

Working with us 2024

Find out how you can work with Coram to champion children’s rights and wellbeing, making lives better through legal support, advocacy, adoption and therapeutic, educational and cultural programmes.

Published 17 July 2024

Coram Impact Report 2023/24

Read Coram's 2023/24 Impact Report, covering our work from the last year to create better chances for children.

Published 26 June 2024

Findings from the first year of the Step Up Programme

This report refers to the first phase of Coram’s evaluation, taking place one year into the Step Up project, funded by Adoption England. The final phase of evaluation will take place after the programme has concluded, in 2026/7.

Published 4 June 2024 By Mia Johnson Hall

Patterns of Early Permanence in London: a research report

This report explores the rates and patterns of early permanence in London and provides actionable evidence on how the use of early permanence can be increased in the right circumstances to help ensure less instability for children.

Published 30 April 2024 By Dr Anna Ludvigsen, Max Stanford, Dr Daniel Stern

Sibling Time Report April 2024

This report describes an evaluation of Coram’s Sibling Time Activity Day service, piloted in Leicestershire in early August. The evaluation ran from 1 July to 30 December 2023.

Published 3 April 2024 By Lucas Jones, Dr Emily Blackshaw, Mia Johnson, Narendra Bhalla and Amaka Udeagbaja

The Coram Innovation Incubator Prospectus 2024-25

The Coram Innovation Incubator is delighted to share the Prospectus for our 2024-25 cycle which begins in April 2024.

Published 1 April 2024

Training Package on Child-Friendly Legal Services

This training was commissioned by UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) and written by Awaz Raoof.

Published 22 March 2024 By Awaz Raoof

Childcare Survey 2024

Coram Family and Childcare’s 23rd annual Childcare Survey uncovers the extent of national childcare shortages, with only a third (34%) of English councils reporting sufficient childcare for parents working full-time.

Published 19 March 2024 By Lydia Hodges, Sam Shorto and Emma Goddard

Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in Sierra Leone

This report assesses the situation of Sierra Leone’s children and adolescents with respect to the realization of their rights; analyses child deprivation using an equity and gender lens; assesses the capacity of duty bearers at all levels to meet their obligations in the fulfillment of these rights; and makes specific recommendations for future actions, programme interventions, and policy directions.

Published 1 March 2024 By Carolyn Hamilton, Catherine Burke, Adam Cunliffe and Farah Elhouni

Local Level ASG Data Q3 2023-2024

Data gathered for Q3 2023-2024 about adoption and special guardian orders from voluntary adoption agencies (VAA) and local authorities (LA) across England.

Published 1 March 2024

2024 Spring Newsletter

In this Spring's edition of the newsletter, find out how Coram are fighting for a fair chance for all children through changing lives, laws, and systems.

Published 27 February 2024

Early permanence: the legal framework

Early permanence is a child-centred approach that provides crucial early-stage stability while a court decides the final care plan for a child. This webinar is aimed at legal professionals and those working with legal departments in the children and families sector. It provides a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of early permanence, the legal context, and the latest national developments as well as hearing from an early permanence carer about their own experience of early permanence.

Published 22 February 2024 By CoramBAAF

Coram Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts 2022/2023

Coram's Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2023. The Report sets out how Coram worked throughout the year 2022/23 to deliver better chances for children through the Group’s seven key outcomes.

Published 31 January 2024

The CII Innovation Collective 2024

Now in its third year, the CII Innovation Collective is the Coram Innovation Incubator’s (CII) specialist repository, which collates and shares new, innovative projects from across the children’s services sector and beyond.

Published 30 January 2024

The CII Innovation Collective 2024

Now in its third year, the CII Innovation Collective is the Coram Innovation Incubator’s (CII) specialist repository, which collates and shares new, innovative projects from across the children’s services sector and beyond.

Published 26 January 2024

The Coram Innovation Inset – Bromley Case study

When Aneesa and Margaret, who work for Bromley Council, joined Coram-i’s Inset programme, they were facing a common problem amongst local authorities.

Published 20 January 2024

Charter for Children

Coram presents the Charter for Children as a route map for the coming decade and beyond, calling for a realignment of the social contract between society and children backed by three key principles – a fair share, a secure future and an equal chance.

Published 12 December 2023

Coram Institute Development Prospectus

The Coram Institute will be the only think tank dedicated to the future of children, working with partners and young people to learn from the past, examine current needs and create better chances for the next generation.

Published 12 December 2023

Local Level ASG Data Q2 2023-2024

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 December 2023

Business Intelligence Report Q2 2023-2024

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q2 2023-2024.

Published 1 December 2023

Coram Safeguarding Policy and Procedures November 2023

This safeguarding policy and associated procedures set out Coram’s commitment to ensure that the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount.

Published 23 November 2023 By Coram Group Head of Quality Assurance and Safeguarding

Local Level ASGLB Data Q4 2019-2020

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 October 2023

Local Level ASG Data Q1 2023-2024

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 October 2023

An Assessment of Routine Data Collection Gaps in the Justice for Children Sector in Sri Lanka

This report presents findings of an assessment of routine data collection gaps in the Justice for Children Sector in Sri Lanka and provides recommendations on improving systems and addressing these data gaps.

Published 1 October 2023 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton and Dr. Amelia Smith

Coram Beanstalk Annual Report 2023

Coram Beanstalk is proud to celebrate 50 years of giving children skills for the future. Being able to read is a fundamental life skill, without which children would be unable to access the opportunities their life brings them.

Published 27 September 2023

Read our 2023 Autumn Newsletter

In this edition of the Coram Newsletter find out how we are giving children a chance to shine and skills for the future.

Published 29 August 2023

Case studies on the implementation of family hubs: Emerging strategies for success

The LGA commissioned Coram to develop a series of six case studies exploring various elements of family hubs delivery within councils in England.

Published 20 July 2023 By Lucas Jones, Research Assistant (Coram Impact and Evaluation), Emily Blackshaw, Lead Quantitative Analyst (Coram Impact and Evaluation) and Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare (Coram Family and Childcare)

Coram Family & Childcare Holiday Childcare Survey 2023

The 18th annual Holiday Childcare Survey is based on surveys from local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, which were returned to Coram Family and Childcare between April and June 2023.

Published 18 July 2023 By Megan Jarvie, Sam Shorto, Lisa Kunwar Deer

Local Level ASG Q4 2022/23

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 July 2023
Published 26 June 2023 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke, Ramyah Harrichandiran, Rosalie Lord, Awaz Raoof and Dr. Amelia Smith
Published 26 June 2023 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke, Ramyah Harrichandiran, Rosalie Lord, Awaz Raoof and Dr. Amelia Smith

Coram Impact Report 2022/23

Discover how in the wake of the pandemic, Coram has continued to provide better chances for children, now and forever.

Published 21 June 2023

Randomised controlled trial of Family Group Conferencing at pre-proceedings stage

Children whose families were referred for Family Group Conferencing (FGC) are significantly less likely to go into care, according to results from the world’s largest study of its kind, conducted by Coram and published today.

Published 13 June 2023 By Dr Sarah Taylor, Emily Blackshaw, Hannah Lawrence, Daniel Stern, Lizzie Gilbert and Nilesh Raghoo

Children affected by migration in Southeast Asia: The Role of Business

This report highlights the role of the business sector in driving child migration and influencing decisions by parents to migrate with or without their children, as well as the contribution of the business sector to child protection risks.

Published 1 June 2023 By Awaz Raoof and Kirsten Anderson
Published 1 June 2023 By Rosalie Lord
Published 1 May 2023 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke, Ramyah Harrichandiran, Rosalie Lord, Awaz Raoof and Amelia Smith

Local Level ASG Q3 2022/23

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 April 2023

Legal Review: Situation of Children Affected by Migration in ASEAN Member States

This 2023 legal review was part of a project commissioned by UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (UNICEF EAPRO).

Published 1 April 2023 By Awaz Raoof, Jastine Barrett, Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Rosalie Lord, Ramyah Harrichandiran and Giulia Manccini Pinheiro

The CII Innovation Collective 2022-23

Every year the Coram Innovation Incubator produces the CII Innovation Collective which collates and reports on innovative projects and approaches which have been developed to tackle key challenges facing our sector.

Published 27 March 2023

The Coram Innovation Incubator Prospectus 2023-24

The Coram Innovation Incubator is delighted to share the Prospectus for our 2023-24 cycle.

Published 23 March 2023

Read our 2023 Spring Newsletter

In this edition of the Coram Newsletter, read about our forward-thinking vision to achieve key outcomes to provide better chances for all children. Discover some of the amazing people involved from volunteers, staff and young people to you, our wonderful supporters who make this work possible.

Published 20 March 2023 By Coram

Coram Family & Childcare Survey 2023

The 22nd annual Childcare Survey is based on surveys from local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, which were returned to Coram Family and Childcare between November 2022 and February 2023.

Published 6 March 2023 By Megan Jarvie, Sam Shorto, Lisa Kunwar Deer and Emma Goddard

10,000 Voices insight paper – The views of children and young people in kinship foster care on their well-being

Just over a quarter of children in foster care (27%) live with a relative or friend. The 10,000 Voices insight paper – the views of children in kinship foster care on their well-being explores their experience of care.

Published 1 March 2023 By Julie Selwyn (Rees Centre, Department of Education, University of Oxford), Linda Briheim-Crookall and the Bright Spots team (Coram Voice)

We are Coram

Discover more about Coram, the UK's first and longest continuing children's charity, and how you can help us to support vulnerable children.

Published 21 February 2023

National Early Permanence Practice Standards

The production of the National Early Permanence Practice Standards is a key milestone in realising the ambitions of the adoption strategy to standardise and strengthen practice across the country, bringing the benefits of early permanence to more children across the regions.

Published 1 February 2023 By Coram

UNICEF Cambodia Child Protection Programme 2019-2023 Outcome Evaluation

This evaluation assesses the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of UNICEF Cambodia’s Child Protection Programme 2019-2023.

Published 1 February 2023 By Kirsten Anderson

Findings from The Big Ask: Children in Care

Coram analysis of responses from children in care to the Children’s Commissioner’s 2021 The Big Ask survey.

Published 23 January 2023 By Dr Sarah Taylor and Hannah Lawrence

The Story of New Belongings: Improving services for care leavers with care leavers – Final Report

The New Belongings report shares key learnings from the three-year programme and offers practical resources that any local authority can use to improve their care leaver services. The Bright Spots survey for care leavers Your Life Beyond Care was one of the key tools used as part of the programme.

Published 1 January 2023

Fiji National Youth Policy 2023-2027

The Fiji National Youth Policy 2023-2027 has been developed to provide guidance and direction for the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other Government ministries and departments to operate collaboratively towards achieving key strategic priority areas for all youths in Fiji.

Published 1 January 2023 By Kirsten Anderson

Ending Racial Disparity in Adoption Report

A report from the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board 2022

Published 14 December 2022

Local Level ASG Q2 2022/23

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Data Collection.

Published 1 December 2022

New Belongings Programme: Final evaluation report (2022)

New Belongings was a three-year programme (2019-2022) delivered by Coram Voice to support eight local authorities in England to better engage their care leavers in service improvements. Though better engagement and involvement of young people as experts in their own experience, the programme aimed to encourage local authorities to improve their support for young care leavers.

Published 11 November 2022 By Dr Anna Ludvigsen and Dr Sarah Taylor

ASGLB Meeting Minutes 10 November, 2022

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship

Published 10 November 2022

Adoption Matching – Practice Guide (2016)

This report is a practice guide that draws upon the evidence obtained from a Department for Education-funded study of matching practice in adoption services.

Published 7 November 2022 By Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board Meeting Minutes December 2022

The online meeting covered a number of issues on the subjects of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 November 2022

10,000 Voices: Children in care’s views on their well-being report

For almost a decade the Bright Spots programme has worked with children and young people to explore what they feel makes their lives good. The 10,000 voices report highlights what children in care felt about their well-being.

Published 1 November 2022 By Selwyn, J. & Briheim-Crookall, L. (2022) 10,000 Voices: The views of children in care on their well-being, Coram Voice and the Rees Centre, University of Oxford

Local Level ASGLB Q1 2022/23

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board  (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21.

Published 31 October 2022

Young Citizens Evaluation Report

Coram’s Young Citizens programme aims to make a positive impact on the lives of 16-25 year olds from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Approximately 950 Young Citizens Participants attended 114 peer-led workshops between July 2019 and August 2022 which were co-produced and delivered by 63 Young Citizens Trainers (YCT), who used their experience of overcoming challenges when moving to the UK to help their peers.

Published 28 October 2022 By Lizzie Gilbert, Emma Borjes and Richard Ollerearnshaw

A Lifetime of Difference: 50 years of Coram Adoption

Coram has published ‘A Lifetime of Difference’ report, celebrating 50 years of Coram Adoption’s work. The report, which coincides with National Adoption Week, explores our five decades of impact on children and families.

Published 17 October 2022 By Coram

CII Innovation Collective: Preface

The CII Innovation Collective is the Coram Innovation Incubator’s specialist repository, which collates and shares new, innovative projects from across the children’s services sector and beyond.

Published 1 October 2022 By Coram-i
Published 1 October 2022 By Simon Gallacher

Read our 2022 Autumn Newsletter

In this Autumn Newsletter you can read inspiring stories from across the Coram Group.

Published 23 September 2022 By By Coram

Little Book of Coram

All too often, children are denied the love, security, education and opportunity which they need to thrive and which should be theirs by right.

Published 2 September 2022 By Coram

The wellbeing of children in care and care leavers – learning from the Bright Spots Programme: Strategic Briefing (2022)

This briefing provides an overview of the key messages from the Bright Spots Programme. Although it is aimed at strategic leads and senior managers, the contents are of relevance to anyone working with children in care and care leavers.

Published 1 September 2022 By Baker C, Briheim-Crookall L, Selwyn J.

Local Level ASGLB Q4 2021/22

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board  (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21. 

Published 1 August 2022

Coram Family & Childcare Holiday Childcare Survey 2022

This year’s holiday childcare survey highlights variations in price rises and availability of holiday childcare both between nations and between the regions of England.

Published 19 July 2022 By Ellen Broomé, Lisa Kunwar Deer, Sam Shorto

Innovation in Social Care Assessments for Disabled Children and Young People (2017)

As part of the Department for Education’s Social Care Innovation Programme, Coram was commissioned by the Council for Disabled Children to evaluate the effectiveness of their programme to co-design new approaches to assess disabled children for statutory and non-statutory support. The programme involved five local authorities who tested new approaches with the aim of creating a more efficient and proportionate system for families.

Published 7 July 2022 By Hannah Lawrence and Rebecca Bellew, Coram

Legislating for the Digital Age: Global guide on improving legislative frameworks to protect children from online sexual exploitation and abuse

In 2022, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF HQ to support the project: “Building back better child protection systems: improving legislative frameworks to protect children from online child sexual exploitation and abuse”.

Published 7 June 2022 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Awaz Raoof, Catherine Burke and Ramyah Harrichandiran

Evaluation of Coram Beanstalk’s reading support programmes (2022)

Coram Beanstalk’s programmes seek to improve children’s lives through reading support so that their risk of long-term disadvantage and the negative consequences of illiteracy are reduced.

Published 18 May 2022 By Emma Borjes, Emily Blackshaw, Hannah Lawrence, and Sarah Taylor

ASGLB Meeting May 2022

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship

Published 5 May 2022

Evaluation of Tomorrow’s Achievers Coding With Purpose Clubs

We evaluated the pilot of the Coding with Purpose / Cr8 and Code Clubs which took place on Coram Campus, London, between October 2019 and August 2021, using surveys, interviews and written feedback. Our findings are below, set out against the evaluation objectives.

Published 5 May 2022 By Daniel Stern, Emma Borjes, Sarah Taylor

Staying Connected: The views of looked after young people on their contact arrangements

Staying connected explores the views and experiences of children in care shared through the Your Life, Your Care surveys. It analyses over 7,500 responses and 3,000 comments to questions about spending time with their birth parents, brothers and sisters.

Published 1 May 2022 By Shirley Lewis, Julie Selwyn and Linda Briheim-Crookall

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on care leavers’ well-being (2022)

In this follow-up report to What Makes Life Good (2020), we examined how the views of care leavers in England on their well-being have changed, or not, in light of the pandemic. We compared the pre-pandemic data from 1,804 care leavers aged 16-25 in ‘What Makes Life Good’ to newer data from 2,476 care leavers in 2020 to 2021, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This analysis of Coram Voice’s Your Life Beyond Care survey was enabled by funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Published 11 April 2022 By Anita Chandra, Sarah Taylor, Sam Shorto, Vanessa Patel, Lizzie Gilbert Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Evaluation of the use of objects in social work (2022)

We carried out an evaluation of the use of objects in social work, gathering feedback from social workers and practitioners involved in Coram’s ‘objects in social work’ experimental groups. The groups were run by emeritus professor Mark Doel between March 2021 and October 2021 in Sheffield, London and New York. The use of objects in conversations aims to enable social workers, and children and young people themselves, to better understand their life stories and their support needs. We observed the experimental groups and held one-to-one interviews with 11 experimental group attendees and Mark Doel, to hear about their experiences of using objects in social work and of taking part in the groups.

Published 11 April 2022 By Vanessa Patel. Sarah Taylor, Lizzie Gilbert, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Evaluation of Behaviour Outreach Support Service (2021)

Funded by What Works for Children’s Social Care, Coram carried out a mixed-methods pilot evaluation in academic year 2020/21 of a school-based Family Action intervention , designed and delivered by Family Action, called the Behaviour Outreach Support Service. Our plans for the evaluation were published in 2020. It aimed to help schools improve their support to pupils who display challenging behaviour. BOSS was delivered to 77 pupils aged 5 to 11, who have or have had a social worker, in eight primary schools in York. Our methods were: semi-structured interviews with pupils, parents, carers, teachers, BOSS staff and York council staff, administrative data collection and analysis, case files review, paper diaries completed by pupils, and an online survey for school staff.

Published 11 April 2022 By Sarah Taylor, Anna Ludvigsen, Daniel Stern, Lizzie Gilbert, Anita Chandra, Chloe Spencer-Dene, Emma Borjes, Vanessa Patel

Evaluation of Creative Life Story Work (2020)

With our partners Ipsos MORI, Coram is carrying out an evaluation of a Blue Cabin model of Creative Life Story Work. We have published plans for a randomised controlled trial plus process evaluation (interviews and survey), funded by What Works for Children’s Social Care, of the implementation of the programme in Darlington, Gateshead and South Tyneside councils.

Published 11 April 2022 By Sarah Taylor, Chloe Juliette, Emma Borjes, Claudia Mollidor, Chloe Juliette, Karl Ashworth

What Makes Life Good: Care leavers’ views on their well-being (2020)

For this major report, we analysed responses from 1,804 care leavers in 21 local authorities in England collected between 2017 and 2019 through Coram Voice’s Your Life Beyond Care survey. The study was carried out in collaboration with Coram Voice and the Rees Centre, University of Oxford.

Published 8 April 2022 By Linda Briheim-Crookall, Olivia Michelmore, Claire Baker, Oluwanifemi Oni, Sarah Taylor, Julie Selwyn

Follow-up evaluation of Family Group Conferences in pre-proceedings (2020)

We followed up a previous evaluation carried out under Round one of the Department for Education’s Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme. We carried out interviews and analysed data to find out what happened next to child outcomes in Wiltshire and Southwark councils, after families received Daybreak Family Group Conferences.

Published 8 April 2022 By Hannah Lawrence, Dr Anna Ludvigsen, Dr Sarah Taylor, Jorgen Lovbakke

Evaluation of specialist foster care placement project (2020)

As part of the Department for Education Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme, we carried out an evaluation of a project which aimed to use specialist placements and co-produced care planning to allow disabled young people from Hertfordshire and Staffordshire to transfer to local foster care from out of area placements.

Published 8 April 2022 By Jeff Mesie, Olivia Michelmore, Sarah Taylor, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Family Group Conferencing at pre-proceedings stage (2019-2022)

Coram is carrying out an evaluation of a type of decision making used in children’s social care in the UK and internationally. The evaluation involves over 20 local authorities in England and is funded by What Works for Children’s Social Care, as part of a Department for Education programme, Supporting Families: Investing In Practice.

Published 8 April 2022

The Art of the Possible in Children’s Services: A Coram Manifesto

The report is based on the national innovation survey, distributed to all children’s services providers at the end of 2021, which sought to assess where agencies are finding it possible to achieve positive change and how the CII can facilitate the innovations which can transform the lives of children and young people.

Published 5 April 2022 By Coram

Adopter Characteristics Data File

This spreadsheet provides the breakdown of individual adopter characteristics derived from the ASGLB Quarterly Data Collection

Published 1 April 2022

Local Level ASGLB Q3 2021/22

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21.

Published 1 April 2022

Coram Family & Childcare Survey 2022

Coram Family and Childcare’s 21st annual Childcare Survey finds that parents are now paying 2.5% more for childcare for children under two; 2% more for children aged two; and 3.5% more for 3–4-year-olds than they were a year ago.

Published 22 March 2022 By Lester Coleman, Sam Shorto and Dalia Ben-Galim

Activity Days for Fostering Evaluation Report

Since 2016, Coram has run eight Activity Days for Fostering in England, three of which were pilot events.

Published 14 March 2022 By Vanessa Patel, Emily Blackshaw, Daniel Stern, Sarah Taylor

Read our 2022 Spring Newsletter

This Spring’s edition of the Coram Newsletter focuses on how work across the Coram Group continues to champion children and young people. It details how we are fighting for their rights and to give them the opportunities they need to thrive.

Published 9 March 2022 By Coram

ASGLB Meeting February 2022

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship

Published 3 February 2022

Operational manual for non-governmental organizations on providing services to children affected by migration

Coram International was the institutional consultant to UNICEF Kazakhstan on a large-scale project to protect the rights of children affected by migration (CABM) in Kazakhstan.

Published 1 February 2022 By Awaz Raoof and Catherine Burke

Coram Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts 31 March 2021

Find out how the UK's oldest children's charity Coram continued to create better chances for children during a period of risk for children unseen since the Second World War

Published 27 January 2022 By Coram

Multi-country Programme Evaluation Synthesis Report of the Childcare and Deinstitutionalisation Reforms from 2009-2022

This report presents the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of an evaluation of the childcare and deinstitutionalisation reforms in seven countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Tajikistan) for the period of 2009-2022. The evaluation was commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Europe and Central Asia Region Office (ECARO) and conducted by Coram International.

Published 1 January 2022 By Kara Apland and Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton

The Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence and Child Focused Justice in Papua New Guinea

This report presents the findings from a comprehensive mapping and analysis of laws, policies, and institutional frameworks aimed at addressing violence against children (VAC), child protection, and child justice in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Published 1 January 2022 By Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke, and Bruce Grant

Manual on Intersectoral Coordination for Delivering the Model for Protective Services to Children Affected by Migration

Coram International was the institutional consultant to UNICEF Kazakhstan on a large-scale project to protect the rights of children affected by migration (CABM) in Kazakhstan.

Published 1 December 2021 By Awaz Raoof and Catherine Burke

Situation Analysis of Children in the Pacific Island Countries (2021)

This report summarises and synthesises findings from 14 in-depth situation analyses (SitAns) of children in the following Pacific Island Countries and Territories: the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Published 1 December 2021 By Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Bruce Grant, Amelia Smith, Rosalie Lord, Farah Elhouni, and Ramyah Harrichandiran

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on care leavers’ well-being

This report is a follow up to our ‘What Makes Life Good?’ report published in 2020 about the views of care leavers on their well-being using responses collected between 2017 and 2019 through the Your Life beyond Care survey. In this report we compare the ‘What Makes Life Good?’ pre-pandemic data from 1,804 care leavers to data from 2,476 care leavers who responded to the survey in the first year of the pandemic (2020-2021).

Published 1 December 2021 By Anita Chandra, Sarah Taylor, Sam Shorto, Vanessa Patel, Lizzie Gilbert Coram Impact and Evaluation Team

ASGLB Meeting November 2021

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 November 2021

Local Level ASGLB Data Q1 2021/22

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21.

Published 1 October 2021

Study on Violence against Children in Bulgaria

From 2017-2020, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF Bulgaria to assess the current use of physical, sexual and emotional violence, neglect and peer bullying against children in Bulgaria in the home, schools, communities, and in the justice system.

Published 24 September 2021 By Elizabeth Yarrow and Dr Sophie Hedges
Published 23 August 2021

New Belongings Programme: Baseline evaluation report (2021)

New Belongings is a three-year programme (2019-2022) being delivered by Coram Voice. The programme works with eight local authorities in England, supporting them to engage care leavers in service improvements using a co-production approach.

Published 23 August 2021 By Dr Anna Ludvigsen and Dr Sarah Taylor

ASGLB Meeting July 2021

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship

Published 1 August 2021

Coram Innovation Collective

The Coram Innovation Incubator’s (CII) Innovation Collective is a repository which aims to collate various projects and approaches that have been developed across the sector in a bid to tackle key challenges faced by children’s services.

Published 1 August 2021

Local Level ASGLB Data Q4 2020-2021

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21.

Published 1 August 2021

Young Citizens Programme Evaluation: interim report July 2021

This interim report analyses feedback from young people and professionals involved in Coram’s Young Citizens Training Programme from July 2019 to March 2021.

Published 13 July 2021 By Emma Borjes

Coram Digest 2020/21

Find out how the UK's oldest children's charity Coram continued to create better chances for children during the pandemic

Published 24 June 2021 By Coram

Local Level ASGLB Data Q3 2020/21

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 3 of 2020-2021.

Published 1 May 2021

ASGLB Meeting May 2021

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship

Published 1 May 2021

An Evaluation of the Bright Spots Programme

This evaluation explored how local authorities (LAs) had used the findings from the Bright Spots surveys to improve the lives of the children they look after.

Published 1 April 2021 By Dr Shirley Lewis, Julie Selwyn and the Bright Spots team

Public attitudes to children in care and care leavers Coram

We commissioned YouGov to carry out an online survey of around 2,000 UK adults in March 2021.

Published 1 April 2021

Local Level ASGLB Data Q2 2021/22

This spreadsheet provides local-level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering all 4 quarters of 2020/21.

Published 2 March 2021

Formative and summative evaluation of “Government of Ghana / UNICEF Child Protection Programme (2012 – 2019)”

In 2020, Coram International conducted a formative evaluation of the Government of Ghana and UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme (2012-2019).

Published 1 March 2021 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland, Jorun Arndt, Dr Sophie Hedges and Elizabeth Yarrow

Coram Innovation Incubator

Two page document introducing the Coram Innovation Incubator.

Published 1 March 2021

Innovation in Children’s Services – Coram Insight Report March 2021

Recognising the imperative to respond to the increasingly complex climate facing children’s services, between December 2020 and January 2021, Coram-i carried out the first National Innovation Survey of Children’s Services.

Published 1 March 2021 By Helen Costa, Coram Innovation Incubator with Carol Homden and Sylvie Travers

ASGLB Meeting January 2021

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 February 2021

Evaluation of the Implementation of the Law on Child Protection (LCP) in Mongolia

In 2020, Coram International was commissioned by UNICEF to carry out a country programme-informing evaluation of the implementation of the Law on Child Protection (CPL) in Mongolia.

Published 28 January 2021 By Kara Apland, Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Catherine Burke and Jorun Arndt

Formative Evaluation of the Child Rights Monitoring Programme in Uzbekistan 2016-2018

Coram International was contracted by UNICEF Uzbekistan to carry out an independent evaluation of UNICEF’s child rights monitoring (CRM) programme in Uzbekistan 2016-2018.

Published 5 January 2021 By Awaz Raoof, Charlotte Baker and Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton

ASGLB Minutes October 2020

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 January 2021

Local Level ASGLB Data Q2 2020/21

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 2 of 2020-2021.

Published 1 January 2021

The Baker & Dixon Leaving Care Services Self-Assessment Framework

Download The Baker & Dixon Leaving Care Services Self-Assessment Framework.

Published 20 November 2020

ASGLB Minutes July 2020

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 November 2020

The Voices of Children In Care and Care Leavers on What Makes Life good: Recommendations for Reviewing the Care System

The Voices of Children in Care and Care Leavers on What Makes Life Good focuses on what care-experienced children and young people have said about their wellbeing, drawing on Coram Voice’s ongoing work with thousands of care-experience children and young people.

Published 1 November 2020 By Coram Voice and the Rees Centre

What Makes Life Good, Care leavers’ Views on their Well-being

‘What Makes Life Good, Care leavers’ Views on their Well-being’, report is the first of its kind in examining the well being of care leavers from their perspective and enabling comparisons across local authorities by analysing 1,804 care leaver responses collected between 2017 and 2019 and shows significant differences in the experience of care leavers between local authorities in England.

Published 1 November 2020 By Linda Briheim-Crookall, Olivia Michelmore, Claire Baker, Oluwanifemi Oni, Sarah Taylor, Julie Selwyn

Local Level ASGLB Data Q4 2019/20

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 4 of 2019-20.

Published 1 October 2020

ASGLB Annual Report

The Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board’s annual report for 2019/20 can be found below.

Published 1 October 2020

Autism is a superpower

Autism is a Superpower by Poppy Thorne is a creative and interactive booklet designed for young people with autism and ADHD to better understand how their brain works and why their everyday perceptions might be different from their peers.

Published 16 September 2020 By Poppy Thorne

Study Report on Good Practices in Family Preservation and Prevention of Family Separation Programming in Cambodia

In 2018, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF to conduct a study on good practices of community-based programmes to support family preservation and the prevention of family separation.

Published 1 September 2020 By Kirsten Anderson

Situation Analysis of Adolescents in Malaysia

In 2018, Coram International was commissioned by UNICEF Malaysia to undertake a situation analysis of children, women and adolescents.

Published 1 September 2020 By Kirsten Anderson and Dr. Jastine Barrett

ASGLB Meeting Minutes June 2020

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 July 2020

January 2020 Meeting Minutes

The meeting in London addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 July 2020

October 2019 Meeting Minutes

The online meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 July 2020

Adopter Reference Group: You Said, We did

A record of our response to the Adoption Reference Group (ARG) on issues around adoption.

Published 1 July 2020

ASF Covid-19 Scheme

Information about the Adoption Support Fund's Covid-19 scheme.

Published 24 April 2020

Care leavers’ well-being during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Key Messages for Leaving Care Workers

Responding to Coronavirus is a challenge for us all and no different in our work with children in care and care leavers. As we respond to new circumstances it is important that we plan our services not only to keep our children and young people safe and supported, but to make their lives as positive as possible at this time.

Published 1 April 2020

ASF Coronavirus FAQs

FAQs from the Adoption Support Fund

Published 23 March 2020

Call for Change

For too long, children's interests and voices have been neglected in our politics. We call on the UK Parliament to urgently make children's needs and welfare a priority.

Published 11 March 2020 By Coram

Bright Spots: Challenging Stigma in the Care System

Our Insight paper: ‘Challenging Stigma in the care system’, shares what children and young people have told us about stigma, what they want to see from services and gives examples of how local authorities have worked with children in care and care leavers to challenge stigma.

Published 1 March 2020

ASGLB organogram

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board governance structure

Published 1 February 2020

Early Permanence Network Leaflet

Coram’s Early Permanence Network supports the development of good practice in early permanence placements for young children in care proceedings nationwide. In 2016/17, member agencies placed over 115 babies and young children in early permanence placements.

Published 1 January 2020 By Coram Centre for Early Permanence

Young people’s views on knife crime

Tackling knife crime is a key issue facing UK policymakers and has been covered extensively by the media.

Published 19 December 2019 By Olivia Michelmore, Hannah Lawrence, Emma Borjes and Sarah Taylor

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q4 2018-2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q4 2018-2019.

Published 1 December 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 4 2018-2019

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 4 of 2018-19.

Published 1 December 2019

Helping your child to sleep

Sleep difficulties occur in approximately 48-70% of adopted children compared to roughly 25% of the general child population. We have put together this booklet which includes information about why adopted children may be more vulnerable to sleep difficulties and some of the strategies that families have found useful with their child or young person.

Published 26 November 2019 By Kent Post Adoption Support Team (PAST)

Keynote speech by Sir James Munby (Coram permanence event, Nov 2019)

What is permanence? The lawyer’s first reaction is probably to think of the different legal frameworks by which we seek to achieve permanence. But that is to miss what I suggest is the bigger picture. I want to focus instead on the definition used in Guidance for the Children Act 1989:

Published 25 November 2019

‘Creating Belonging’ – John Diamond, CEO of Mulberry Bush (Coram permanence event, Nov 2019)

I would like to thank Renuka and the Coram Team for inviting me to speak at this event. The Mulberry Bush is a national charity which runs the MBS in Oxfordshire and extended community services. Clearly residential care is not about creating permanence but it has an important role of preparing children for permanence, by providing children with a sense of belonging through:
1. Stability of placement
2. Opportunities for internalising good individual and group relationships (social /emotional and educational learning)
3. Daily experiences with a highly trained and well supported staff group

Published 25 November 2019
Published 4 November 2019 By Hannah Lawrence and Zhulen Ali

Children in ASEAN; 30 Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in ASEAN

In November 2019, UNICEF EAPRO published a report developed by Coram International marking 30 years of the UNCRC in the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Region.

Published 1 November 2019 By UNICEF East Asia & Pacific

Casting Light in the Shadows: Child and youth migration, exploitation and trafficking in Vietnam

In 2016 Coram International was awarded funding from the Home Office’s Child Trafficking Protection Fund (CTPF) for a 2.5 year project that aimed to work towards ending the trafficking of children within and from Vietnam.

Published 2 October 2019 By Kara Apland and Elizabeth Yarrow

Bright Spots insight paper: Understanding why you are in care

Every child and young person who comes into care needs to know why and have opportunities to discuss the reasons this happened whenever they feel unclear.

Our Bright Spots Insight Paper ‘Understanding why you are in care’ explains why this is important to children and young people and shares ideas and resources for how to support them with this.

Published 1 October 2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board Meeting Minutes July 2018

The meeting in London addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 23 September 2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board Meeting Minutes July 2019

The meeting of the board discussed a number of issues connected with adoption and special guardianship.

Published 7 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes April 2018

The meeting of the board discussed a number of issues in connection with adoption.

Published 7 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes February 2018

The meeting in London of the board discussed a number of issues connected with adoption.

Published 7 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes January 2017

The meeting addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption.

Published 6 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes April 2017

The meeting in London addressed a number of issues in connection with adoption.

Published 3 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes October 2018

The meeting of the board discussed a number of issues connected with adoption.

Published 1 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes October 2017

The meeting in London of the board discussed a number of issues connected with adoption.

Published 1 September 2019

Adoption Leadership Board Meeting Minutes, July 2017

The meeting of the board discussed a number of issues in connection with adoption.

Published 1 September 2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board Meeting Minutes April 2019

The meeting in London addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 1 August 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 4 2017-2018

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarters 1-4 of 2017-18.

Published 7 July 2019

Data Visualisation in Children’s Social Care

New research published today by Coram demonstrates the enormous potential of data visualisation to improve decision-making and performance in children’s social care.

Published 4 July 2019 By Renuka Jeyarajah-Dent

Local Level Data Quarter 2 2018-2019

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 2 of 2018-19.

Published 1 July 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 3 2018-2019

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 3 of 2018-19.

Published 1 July 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 1 2017-2018

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 1 of 2017-18.

Published 1 July 2019

ASGLB Data Guidance Q1 2019-2020

This document gives guidance on the completion and submission of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) quarterly data collection for 2019-20.

Published 1 July 2019

Annual report and consolidated accounts 2018-19

Over the last year, the Coram Group of charities has transformed the lives of more children, young people, parents and professionals than ever before.

Published 21 June 2019 By Coram

Evaluation of a support programme for early permanence adopters and carers (2019)

The Care for Me First programme, funded by the Department for Education, aimed to improve early placement for young children via fostering for adoption and concurrent planning.

Published 8 June 2019 By Olivia Michelmore, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Local Level Data Quarter 3 2017-2018

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 3 of 2017-18.

Published 1 June 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 2 2017-2018

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption & Special Guardian Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 2 of 2017-18.

Published 1 June 2019

Local Level Data Quarter 1 2018-2019

This spreadsheet provides local level information on the adoption process, derived from the quarterly Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) adoption survey, covering quarter 1 of 2018-19.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q4 2017-2018

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q4 2017-2018.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q3 2017-2018

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q3 2017-2018.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q2 2017-2018

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q2 2017-2018.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q1 2017-2018

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q1 2017-2018.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q1 2018-2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q1 2018-2019.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q2 2018-2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q2 2018-2019.

Published 1 June 2019

Business Intelligence and local level data files Q3 2018-2019

Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Q3 2018- 2019

Published 1 June 2019

Rights without Remedies seminar: full speech by Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer QC MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, has lamented that the government made ‘a political choice’ not to transpose the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, with its explicit commitment to the fundamental rights of the child, into domestic law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. He also joined Coram in calling for the full incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into UK law, at our Rights without Remedies seminar held at Coram on 2nd May 2019.

Published 9 May 2019
Published 2 May 2019 By Olivia Michelmore and Dr Jeff Mesie

Formative Evaluation of the ‘Be a Change Agent’ Project

In 2018, Coram International conducted a formative evaluation of UNICEF’s ‘Be a Change Agent’ Project (B-CAP) in Liberia.

Published 10 April 2019 By Kara Apland, Elizabeth Yarrow and Jorun Arndt

Understanding sleep problems experienced by young people (2019)

A rapid review of literature was conducted by the team to find out what recent research tells us about sleep problems experienced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and children in care.

Published 8 April 2019 By Hannah Lawrence & Olivia Michelmore, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Our Lives Beyond Care: care leavers’ views on their well-being 2018

This report summarises the findings from the responses of 474 16-25 year-old care leavers, who completed the Your Life Beyond Care survey in six local authorities in England.

It gives an insight into how care leavers really feel about their lives.

Published 1 April 2019 By Dr. Claire Baker, Linda Briheim-Crookall, Levana Magnus and Professor Julie Selwyn
Published 21 February 2019 By Olivia Michelmore and Dr Jeff Mesie

Situation Analysis of Children in the Pacific Island Countries (2017)

Coram International was commissioned by UNICEF Pacific to carry out 14 in-depth situation analyses (SitAns) of children and women in the following Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs): the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Published 14 February 2019 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Ruth Barnes and Awaz Raoof

Preparation Groups for Early Permanence Carers

This workbook, presentation and trainers manual are designed for early permanence training and preparation groups.

Published 21 January 2019 By Elaine Dibben and Roana Roach with Hannah Moss

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board Meeting Minutes January 2019

The meeting in London addressed a number of issues on the subject of adoption and special guardianship.

Published 16 January 2019

Situation Analysis of Children in the Philippines

In 2017-18, Coram International carried out a situation analysis of women and children for UNICEF Philippines.

Published 21 November 2018 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Ruth Barnes, Maurice Dunaiski, Sarah Henderson and Mohammed Sesay

Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Children: A Formative Evaluation of UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme in Cambodia

In 2017, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF to conduct a formative evaluation of UNICEF’s child protection work in Cambodia.

Published 6 November 2018 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Elizabeth Yarrow, Kara Apland and Dr. Anna Mackin

Bright Spots Snapshot, Our Lives Our Care: looked after children’s views on their well-being in 2018

In 2018, Bright Spots produced a snapshot Our Lives Our Care: looked after children’s views on their well-being in 2018, based on what 2,684 children in care from 17 English local authorities told Coram Voice through the Your Life, Your Care survey in 2017/18.

It gives an insight into how children and young people in care really feel about their lives.

Published 1 November 2018 By Linda Briheim-Crookall, Dr. Claire Baker and Professor Julie Selwyn

Think Siblings: findings from a national survey of adopters

Coram’s Impact and Evaluation team created an online survey for adopters in January 2017. The survey link was sent to adopters via Adoption UK, Coram and First4Adoption. There were 414 responses. All English regions were represented in the survey along with respondents living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This report presents the findings from the survey.

Published 18 September 2018 By Hannah Lawrence

Think Siblings Project: Final Report

The Think Siblings Project: Final Report is a resource for social work practitioners comprising a literature review and research with practical tools for their everyday work

Published 6 September 2018 By Lauren Butcher and Dr Helen Upright, Coram Cambridgeshire Adoption Sibling Project March 2018

Summary of the evaluation of the Young Carers in Schools Programme

Coram has published a new report highlighting the positive impact a programme in schools is having on young carers’ wellbeing, confidence and academic attainment. Here is a summary of the report and its findings.

Published 3 September 2018 By Coram Impact and Evaluation

Carers Trust Evaluation Report

Coram has published a new report highlighting the positive impact a programme in schools is having on young carers’ wellbeing, confidence and academic attainment.

Published 3 September 2018 By Dr Jeff Mesie

Our Lives, Our Care: Looked after children’s views on their well-being – Wales 2018 (English and Welsh versions)

The Wales Bright Spots national report details the findings from six local authorities in Wales who completed the Bright Spots Your Life, Your Care survey.

Published 1 September 2018 By Professor Julie Selwyn, Levana Magnus, Jon Symonds & Linda Briheim-Crookall

Trends in adoption and special guardianship support and priorities for the future

The Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board has commissioned a paper reviewing trends in adoption and special guardian support as part of its ‘Modernising Permanence’ project.

Published 1 August 2018

Celebrating 350 years of Thomas Coram: Coram Digest of Achievements 2017-2018

This year, the Coram group has directly worked with more than 100,000 children, families and professionals, and benefitted more than one million others through specialist information and advice.

Published 2 June 2018 By Coram

Children today: Securing health that lasts a lifetime

The presentation from Children Today: Securing health that lasts a lifetime, the event hosted by Coram and the Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition on 8 May.

Published 17 May 2018

Public attitudes to children in care: Results from a national survey

This report sets out results of survey work undertaken for Coram in summer 2017 to assess the general public’s views on children in care. Coram, the first children’s charity, has an ongoing commitment to raise and develop the public’s understanding of children in care, and these survey results contribute to that commitment.

Published 11 May 2018 By Coram Impact and Evaluation Team

Early Permanence in the Regional Adoption Agencies (2018)

This research project, commissioned by the Early Permanence Expert Working Group, focuses on how early permanence features within the Regional Adoption Agency model. It explores the developments being made in this area of practice, the challenges faced and ways to overcome them.

Published 1 May 2018 By Dr Anna Ludvigsen, Impact & Evaluation Team For Coram Centre for Early Permanence

Overprotected and Underserved – Nepal

In 2018, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in Nepal.

Published 27 March 2018 By Kat Watson, Elizabeth Yarrow, Kirsten Anderson, Jorun Arndt and Maurice Dunaiski

Our Lives Our Care 2017

Details all the findings from children and young people who completed the Bright Spots ‘Your Life, Your Care’ survey in 2017 (2,263 children and young people from 16 local authorities).

Published 1 February 2018 By Professor Julie Selwyn, Levana Magnus and Dr Bobby Stuijfzand

Findings from a longitudinal study of early placements (2018)

This report presents the messages for policy and practice that were derived from the 2017/18 longitudinal research with parents who adopted their children through Coram’s concurrency programme.

Published 7 January 2018 By Anna Ponomarenko, Jeanne Kaniuk, Jeff Mesie

Evaluation of the 2014-2017 Child Rights Monitoring System in Montenegro

In 2017, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF to carry out a programme-informing evaluation of the child rights monitoring system in Montenegro, and UNICEF’s planned approach to child rights monitoring reforms under the Country Programme 2017-2021.

Published 1 January 2018 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Awaz Raoof, Ruth Barnes and Jorun Arndt

Understanding why young people participate in the Voices competition

Through eleven interviews with young people who entered the Voices competition, Coram found out why young people decided to apply and if their experience of the competition helped them.

Published 7 December 2017 By Uzma Peeran

Adoption Activity Day Pay to Play flyer 2018

Coram's flyer from 2018 inviting potential adopters to register interest for an Adoption Activity Day.

Published 1 December 2017

Children’s Voices: Children with Mental Health Needs in England

A review of evidence on the subjective wellbeing of children with mental health needs in England.

Published 8 November 2017 By Kara Apland, Hannah Lawrence, Jeff Mesie and Elizabeth Yarrow

Children’s Voices: Children in Detention in England

A review of evidence on the subjective wellbeing of children in detention in England.

Published 8 November 2017 By Kara Apland, Hannah Lawrence, Jeff Mesie and Elizabeth Yarrow

Children’s Voices: Children Involved in Gangs in England

A review of evidence on the subjective wellbeing of children involved in gangs in England.

Published 8 November 2017 By Kara Apland, Hannah Lawrence, Jeff Mesie and Elizabeth Yarrow

Children’s Voices: Children Subject to Immigration Control in England

A review of evidence on the subjective wellbeing of children subject to immigration control in England.

Published 8 November 2017 By Kara Apland and Elizabeth Yarrow, comments by Kamena Dorling
Published 25 October 2017 By Anna Ponomarenko, Jade Yap, Uzma Peeran

Care leavers’ views on their transition to adulthood: A rapid review of the evidence

Young people with direct experience of leaving care are best placed to evaluate and comment on the care system and how it has worked for them. this rapid review sought to place their voices at the forefront of our development work on well-being and care leavers.

Published 1 October 2017 By Dr Claire Baker

Fostering activity day blog attachments

Download resources used from the session in September 2017.

Published 21 September 2017

The role of Fostering for Adoption in achieving early permanence for children

In this guide, we set out the development of Fostering for Adoption (FfA) as a route to early permanence and explore current best policy and practice.

Published 21 September 2017 By Elaine Dibben, Viv Howorth

Fostering for Adoption A child-centred solution: A guide for prospective FfA carers

Our guide is aimed at helping you to decide whether you could be a Fostering for Adoption (FfA) carer and explain the routes to becoming approved as an FfA carer.

Published 21 September 2017 By Elaine Dibben, John Simmonds, Jeanne Kaniuk

Activity Days for Fostering: Learning from three pilot events September 2017

At Coram we realise that the needs of children in foster care have not always been prioritised and that permanent foster care has been undervalued as an option for permanence.

Published 1 September 2017 By Sally Beaumont Team Manager, Activity Days

Breaking the Cycle (2017)

An evaluation of After Adoption’s programme, delivered in the Midlands, that supports women who had at least one child adopted. Coram was commissioned to explore the effectiveness of the programme which offers one to one and group sessions focused on building women’s self-esteem and confidence. The evaluation used depth interviews and focus groups with the birth mothers.

Published 7 August 2017 By Rebecca Bellew & Uzma Peeran, Coram Impact & Evaluation team

The sex and relationship education needs of young people: a review of research and school survey findings

Schools must be in a position to deliver statutory Sex and Relationships Education from September 2019. Coram Life Education, which provides PSHE education to nearly half a million children across the UK, wanted to understand how well schools are prepared to meet their statutory obligations, and what their support needs are.

Published 10 July 2017 By Coram Life Education

Measuring the number of vulnerable children in England (2017)

Find out how Coram and Coram International helped to deliver the Office of the Children's Commissioner’s Report on Vulnerability, to enumerate and understand the experiences of vulnerable children.

Published 7 July 2017 By Coram, Coram International

Central East Regional Adoption Agency – Lessons Learned: A case study of the VAA-led RAA project

This paper aims to capture the learning from the Central East Regional Adoption Agency (CE RAA) project between June 2015 and July 2017. It is written from the perspective of Coram-i, although it was shared with the CE RAA executive group (i.e. the CE RAA DCSs/representatives) in June 2017 and any comments made by them have been incorporated. It aims to aid learning and to highlight enablers and disablers for the process of ‘Regionalising Adoption’ and achieving innovation in cross-sector working.

Published 1 July 2017 By Coram-i

Three centuries of creating change for children: Coram Group Digest 2016-17

This year, Coram benefited more than one million children, families and professionals. Work also started on building The Queen Elizabeth II Centre, which will open in 2018 as we celebrate the 350th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Coram, our founder and key historic champion of children’s rights.

Published 22 June 2017 By Coram

Coram-Kent post-adoption support partnership summary

Coram-i has been working in partnership with Kent County Council since 2012, helping it to improve its adoption service from an inadequate Ofsted judgement (2011) to a Good judgement (2017).

Published 7 June 2017 By Kevin Yong

Coram and Cafcass Early Permanence Seminar

Slides from 6 June 2017 seminar, at the Foundling Museum, chaired by District Judge Celia Dawson.

Published 6 June 2017 By Cafcass
Published 24 March 2017 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Elizabeth Yarrow and Kara Apland

Analysis of Migration, YEE and Gender in Vietnam and in the Philippines

This study explores the experiences of young people who migrate internally in Vietnam and in the Philippines.

Published 24 March 2017 By Kirsten Anderson, Kara Apland, Maurice Dunaiski and Elizabeth Yarrow

Overprotected and Underserved – India

In 2017, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in India.

Published 24 March 2017 By Elizabeth Yarrow, Kara Apland, Jorun Arndt and Maurice Dunaiski

Overprotected and Underserved – Sri Lanka

In 2017, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in Sri Lanka.

Published 24 March 2017 By Kara Apland, Elizabeth Yarrow, Jorun Arndt and Maurice Dunaiski

The Legal Process and Achieving Early Permanence for Children Seminar

Slides from the seminar, from 16 March 2017, the London Courts, Chaired by HHJ Robin Tolson QC.

Published 16 March 2017 By CoramBAAF

Our Lives, Our Care: Looked after children’s views on their well-being

Details all the findings from the first cohort of 611 children to complete the Bright Spots ‘Your Life, Your Care’ survey.

Published 1 March 2017 By Professor Julie Selwyn and Linda Briheim-Crookall

Brexit: Children’s Rights at Risk or Future Opportunity in the Global Era?

Children live in a different world to their parents and grandparents. For them the virtual world has no borders. Around 1 in 15 children were born to a parent not born in the UK; and in 2015 over 1 in 4 births were to women born outside the UK. Children’s home environments, their classrooms and their wider world are different places from the past and they live in a rapidly changing global environment.

Published 21 February 2017 By Coram

The Cornerstone Partnership (2017)

Coram’s evaluation of Cornerstone’s mentoring and Restorative Parenting Training schemes for adopters found that the programmes were viewed as high quality by adopters and social care professionals. Coram explored the effectiveness of the services through interviews with adopters, an online survey, focus groups with professionals and analysis of local authority data. The two schemes have run since the summer 2015 in partnership with seven adoption agencies

Published 7 February 2017 By Hannah Lawrence, Uzma Peeran, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Zambia Juvenile Justice: National Diversion Framework

In 2016, Coram International worked with UNICEF Zambia to support the Zambian Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to develop a National Diversion Framework.

Published 10 January 2017 By Kirsten Anderson, Gwen Ross and Hon. Kenneth Mulife

Overprotected and Underserved – Philippines

In 2016, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in the Philippines.

Published 1 January 2017 By Kirsten Anderson and Maurice Dunaiski

Study on alternative care community practices for children in Cambodia, including pagoda based care

In 2016, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF to undertake an in-depth study in order to build a solid knowledge-base on different forms of community-based alternative care practices, including Pagoda-based care in Cambodia. The research study, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, was used to inform child care sector reform in Cambodia.

Published 1 January 2017 By Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland, Maurice Dunaiski and Elizabeth Yarrow

Final Evaluation of the Justice for Every Child Project

This independent evaluation, conducted by Coram International, assesses the second phase of UNICEF’s Justice for Every Child Project.

Published 1 January 2017 By Kara Apland and Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton

Handbook on Children Recruited and Exploited by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups: The Role of the Justice System

Coram International was contracted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to produce a Handbook for legal practitioners and policy-makers on practical responses to address the increased recruitment and use of children by violent extremist and terrorist groups.

Published 1 January 2017 By Awaz Raoof, Dame Professor Carolyn Hamilton and Elizabeth Yarrow

Situation Analysis of Children in Bangsamoro Automonous Region in Muslim Mindanao

This report presents a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the situation of children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), highlighting significant gaps in the respect, protection and fulfillment of children’s rights in the region.

Published 1 January 2017 By Coram International

Cambodia Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children 2017-2021

The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched its Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children 2017-2021.

Published 1 January 2017 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland, Elizabeth Yarrow and Maurice Dunaiski

An evaluation of Activity Days for Adoption (2016)

Adoption Activity Days (AADs) are delivered by Coram-i and act as a vital mechanism for finding adoptive families for children, particularly those for whom their agency has been searching for a while. This evaluation report looks at the impact of AADs and the experiences of those involved.

Published 7 December 2016 By Jade Yap, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Overprotected and Underserved – Indonesia

In 2016, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in Indonesia.

Published 2 December 2016 By Maurice Dunaiski, Kara Apland, Elizabeth Yarrow and Jorun Arndt
Published 31 October 2016

Judicial decisions in care proceedings

Professor Judith Masson, Professor of Socio-legal Studies at the University of Bristol, discusses Judicial decisions in care proceedings: law, prediction and choice.

Published 31 October 2016 By Professor Judith Masson

Coram’s Autumn Newsletter

Coram's Autumn Newsletter with the latest news, events and updates.

Published 5 October 2016

How do others deal with the idea of an acceptable risk?

Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge, discusses How do others deal with the idea of an acceptable risk?

Published 1 October 2016 By Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter

Right or wrong decisions

Dave Hill, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, discusses Right or wrong decisions – how do we spot the difference and act on that knowledge to increase the number of right decisions.

Published 1 October 2016 By Dave HIll

Experience of adopting through Coram

Listen to Will talking about his experience of adopting a child through Coram, as the UK celebrates LGBT Adoption & Fostering week. “We say everyone is different, some people have a mum and dad, one mum, one dad, two mums, two dads”. “Coram look at you as a couple, it doesn’t matter about sexuality.”

Published 1 August 2016

An Investigation into the Impact of Arts & Cultural Education on Children Looked After (2016)

The team was commissioned by A New Direction to conduct an exploratory literature review to investigate the nature and impact of arts and cultural education on looked after children. The report was used to gain a better understanding of incorporating arts based activities into looked after children’s lives, and has been shared with the Department for Education and Arts Council England to support funding for A New Direction.

Published 7 July 2016 By Uzma Peeran, Coram Impact & Evaluation Team

Coram Life Education and the Ofsted Inspection Framework, 2015

Discover the relevance and importance of PSHE education and SMSC development and the role of Coram Life Education in helping schools obtain Good or Outstanding in their Ofsted reports.

Published 6 July 2016 By Coram Life Education

Coram Life Education Programme Review

This document gives a synopsis and a set of learning outcomes for each of Coram Life Education’s primary-age programmes (three to 11 year olds).

Published 6 July 2016 By Coram Life Education

Coram-i Improvement Services

Coram-i can work with your organisation to improve its performance in delivering permanence for looked after children. Find out about our Improvement Services in this leaflet

Published 1 July 2016

Coram-i Adoption Diagnostic

This document describes the potential partnership work between your local authority and Coram-i, to build on good practice in adoption to facilitate early permanence for young children.

Published 1 July 2016 By Coram-i

The meaning of permanence

Dr John Simmonds, OBE (Director of Policy, Research and Development) discusses how he has come to understand permanence and what it involves at a Coram-i seminar. Powerful research and examples are presented to highlight how this concept can be utilised to inform practice and decision-making when considering the needs of looked after children.

Published 1 July 2016

The contribution of the voluntary sector

Annie Crombie, Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA), discusses the role of the voluntary sector in achieving permanence for children.

Published 1 July 2016 By Coram-i

Culture and leadership to support service quality throughout the UK

Coram-i has been working in partnership with Kent County Council since 2012, helping it to improve its adoption service from an inadequate Ofsted judgement (2011) to a Good judgement (2017).

Published 1 July 2016

Meet the Adopter webcast – Concurrent Planning

What is concurrent planning like? Hear about the experiences of a couple who adopted their daughter through Concurrent Planning. Video courtesy of First4Adoption.

Published 30 June 2016 By First4Adoption

Changing children’s lives: Coram Group Digest 2015-2016

Today, 275 years after Thomas Coram’s Foundation for Children became the UK’s first children’s charity, Coram is a group of specialist charities, still dedicated to creating better chances for children.

Published 2 June 2016 By Coram

The challenge of achieving permanence for children in care

This seminar brought together researchers, in conjunction with representatives from the voluntary and public sector, to explore what permanence means to them and the aligned challenges in achieving this for vulnerable children. Speakers used their knowledge and experience to give perspectives on a wide range of issues, including Special Guardianship Orders, calculating the cost of permanence and local authority partnerships.

Published 1 June 2016 By Coram-i

Calculating the cost of permanence: a case based approach

Lisa Holmes (Director, Centre for Child and Family Research at Loughborough University) presents on the cost calculator for children’s services. This was produced by her team of researchers at Loughborough University and seeks to link children’s needs, the services provided, the costs incurred and the outcomes in terms of children’s welfare.

Published 1 June 2016 By Coram-i

Papua New Guinea Baseline Survey: Highlands Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health Project

CARE International Papua New Guinea (CARE PNG) commissioned a baseline survey prior to beginning implementation of its Highlands Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health Project
(HSRMH).

Published 17 May 2016 By Elizabeth Yarrow

Causes and Consequences of Young People’s SMRH Behaviours in Myanmar

In 2016 Care International in Myanmar commissioned this qualitative study to investigate the sexual, reproductive and maternal health (SRMH) related behaviours of adolescents and young parents in villages in Northern Shan State, Myanmar.

Published 17 May 2016 By Elizabeth Yarrow

Raising Kinship Children (2016)

Raising Kinship Children is a parenting programme, developed jointly between Grandparents Plus and PAC-UK for kinship carers who were raising kinship children who demonstrated challenging behaviour.

Published 7 March 2016 By Rebecca Bellew, Hannah Lawrence and Rachael Fitzpatrick, Coram Impact and Evaluation team

Preventing Unplanned Pregnancy and Improving Preparation for Parenthood for Care-Experienced Young People

It is now widely acknowledged that care-experienced children and young people are at increased risk of poor life outcomes when compared to peers who have not spent time in a care setting. They are also at heightened risk of teenage pregnancy, which significantly increases the likelihood that these disadvantages will be transferred to the next generation.

Published 17 February 2016 By Dr Debbie Fallon & Professor Karen Broadhurst of the Universities of Manchester and Lancaster on behalf of Coram.

Children and counter-terrorism

The overall objective of the research project was to shed light on the particular vulnerability of children and juveniles in the context of counter-terrorism legislation and policies. The recommendations provided aim to help governments integrate domestic and international juvenile justice and child protection standards into their counter-terrorism frameworks.

Published 1 January 2016 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Flavia Colonnese and Maurice Dunaiski

Study on Violence Against Children in and around Educational Settings in Timor-Leste

In 2015, Coram International was commissioned by UNICEF to undertake a study on violence against children in and around educational settings in Timor-Leste.

Published 1 January 2016 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Elizabeth Yarrow and Awaz Raoof

You can transform a child’s life

Since our early days Coram has been at the forefront of children’s support and care. The compassion and principles that drove Coram’s work are upheld by the charity today. We stand up for and help the most vulnerable and at-risk children in society.

Published 23 December 2015 By You can transform a child's life

Coram Voice – Advocacy and You

Advocacy is about helping you to speak out about what is important to you. You have the right to have your say and be listened to when decisions are being made about you.

Published 17 December 2015

Gap Analysis of Ukrainian Youth Legislation

This report for UNDP Ukraine presents the results of an assessment of Ukrainian youth policy and legislation conducted in 2015.

Published 2 December 2015 By Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland, Jorun Arndt, Dr Sophie Hedges and Elizabeth Yarrow

Operating in local partnerships to achieve permanence for children now and in their future lives

Philip Segurola (Director, Specialist Children’s Services at Kent County Council) discusses how local authority partnerships have led to improved outcomes for children in Kent at a Coram-i seminar.

Published 22 October 2015 By Philip Segurola

What do we know about Special Guardianship and what do we need to know?

Professor Judith Harwin (Director, Centre for Child and Youth research, Brunel University London) presents preliminary findings from a national study of special guardianship orders (SGOs) and supervision orders (SOs) funded by the Nuffield Foundation (2015-2017).

Published 22 October 2015 By Professor Judith Harwin

Coram Capital Adoption – An approach to regionalisation

Coram Capital Adoption is an exciting partnership between a growing group of London local authorities and Coram’s successful independent adoption agency.

Published 20 October 2015

Improvement services

Coram-i can work with your organisation to improve its performance in delivering permanence for looked after children. Find out about our Improvement Services in this leaflet

Published 16 October 2015

Legal Deep Dive

This document sets out the details of potential partnership work between your local authority (LA) and Coram-i in relation to a ‘Legal Deep Dive’ of selected cases

Published 9 October 2015

Adoption Diagnostic Analysis

This document describes the potential partnership work between your local authority and Coram-i, to build on good practice in adoption to facilitate early permanence for young children

Published 9 October 2015

Adopted children and young people’s views on their life storybooks: The role of narrative in the formation of identities

This paper reports on interviews conducted with 20 children and young people adopted from the care system in England, exploring their experiences and views of their life storybooks and examines the role of life storybooks as a form of narrative that contributes to identity development.

Published 18 September 2015 By Debbie L. Watson (Centre for Family Policy and Child Welfare and Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies, School for Policy Studies University of Bristol, England, UK), Sandra Latter and Rebecca Bellew (Coram, London, England, UK)

Adopters Life Storybooks Research

This research, conducted jointly between the UK children’s charity Coram and the University of Bristol, aims to address the absence in the academic literature of adopters’ perspectives on their children’s life storybooks.

Published 30 July 2015 By Coram and Debbie Watson, University of Bristol

Coram Voice Impact Report 2014-2015

During 2014-2015, Coram Voice supported 3,719 children and young people to get their voices heard, challenge things they were unhappy with, and access what was rightfully theirs. Read more about the young people we work with in this report.

Published 16 July 2015 By Coram Voice

Coram Impact Summary 2015

Coram aims to ensure that every child has the best possible chance in life. We work to create change that lasts a lifetime. We do this by championing what matters most for children in policy and practice and providing sustained services which strive for excellence. The Impact Summary talks about how Coram achieves this.

Published 25 June 2015 By Coram

Coram Charter for Children 2015

Coram believes that by 2040 when we celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Act of Parliament which gave birth to children’s social care, it is possible for us together to ensure that every child in our society can have the best possible chance in life. Our Charter for Children sets out to achieve this in various ways.

Published 25 June 2015 By Coram

275 years of creating change for children: Coram 2014-2015 Group Digest

In its 275th year, Coram has benefitted over one million children and families through direct support, advocacy, representation, advice and schools-based learning. The Group Digest is a summary of its achievements.

Published 25 June 2015 By Coram

Case study: Kent County Council

In February 2012, Coram partnered with Kent County Council to improve the LA’s Adoption Service. Coram’s task was to improve the service so that it provided a high quality service to children in the authority’s care with a plan of adoption.

Published 19 June 2015 By Coram

Children in Conflict with the Law: Needs assessment of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention services in Moldova

This report was designed to inform the work of UNICEF and the Moldovan government as they assisted authorities to develop the necessary social infrastructure and support programmes for children and families who are at risk of coming into conflict with the law.

Published 24 March 2015 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland and Jen Roest

Transforming children’s lives through Creative Therapies

Coram works with children who have experienced difficulties, and who, as a result, are often unable to understand or explain their feelings. Creative Therapy provides a safe place where children can explore how to communicate using art, music and play

Published 17 March 2015 By Coram

Adoption Support Services Information

Coram recognises that whilst adoption can be incredibly rewarding for parents, it also comes with challenges. We offer tried and tested adoption support which is tailored to the needs of each parent

Published 17 March 2015 By Coram

Measuring Well-Being

Our literature review, which informed the development of the ‘Your Life, Your Care’ survey, looking at UK and international approaches to measuring the concept of wellbeing and, in particular, the wellbeing of looked after children.

Published 1 March 2015 By Measuring Well-Being (March 2015) Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies, Coram Voice, Bristol University

Children and Young People’s Views on Being in Care

Our literature review, which informed the development of the ‘Your Life, Your Care’ survey, looking at existing research on children and young people’s experiences of being in care and highlighting their voices on positive and adverse aspects of that journey.

Published 1 March 2015 By Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies, Coram Voice

Coram Fostering Service Ofsted report

Coram, the UK's first children's charity has been offering better life chances for children since 1739. The fostering service provides concurrent planning for children who are subject to care proceedings and where in the view of the courts and past history there is a likelihood that children will need a permanent placement outside the birth family. The aim of the project is to prevent drift and delay in achieving permanence for these children and to reduce placement moves.

Published 16 February 2015 By Ofsted

Leave us a gift in your Will – codicil form

Leaving a gift in your Will is a particularly personal way to make a lasting difference to a cause you care about

Published 6 February 2015 By Coram

Development of Specialised Inter-district Courts on Issues of Minors in Kazakhstan

This report was written as part of a study conducted jointly by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, UNICEF Kazakhstan, and Coram International.

Published 2 January 2015 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton and Awaz Raoof

Chapter 19: Unaccompanied And Unprotected: The Systemic Vulnerability Of Unaccompanied Migrant Children In South Africa

This chapter has been published in the book “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Taking Stock after 25 Years and Looking Ahead”. The chapter focuses on the systemic vulnerability of unaccompanied migrant children in South Africa and draws on findings from the implementation of Coram International’s project in South Africa tackling unlawful detention of migrant women and children.

Published 1 January 2015 By Kirsten Anderson, Kara Apland and Elizabeth Yarrow

An Unenforceable Law? Policy, Practice and Political Narratives Shaping the Detention and Protection of Migrant Women and Children in South Africa

The report explores the experiences of migrant women and children in South Africa as part of the EU-funded project 'Ending unlawful deprivation of liberty of women and children in South Africa'.

Published 1 January 2015 By Kara Apland, Kirsten Anderson and Elizabeth Yarrow

Getting the Evidence: Asia Child Marriage Initiative

In 2014 and 2015, as part of the Asia Child Marriage Initiative (ACMI), Plan International and Coram International undertook a research study in three countries in Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia).

Published 1 January 2015 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland, Kirsten Anderson and Elizabeth Yarrow

Legal Protection from Violence: Analysis of Domestic Laws Related to Violence against Children in ASEAN Member States

This mapping and analysis report compared national legislation in ASEAN member states to international laws, standards and best practices.

Published 1 January 2015 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton

The Door is Closed

Children are becoming homeless as a result of local authorities' failures, according to children's charity Coram Voice

Published 15 December 2014 By Coram Voice

Coram Voice report: The Door is Closed

Children are becoming homeless as a result of local authorities’ failures, according to children’s charity Coram Voice

Published 1 December 2014

Coram Voice impact report

In the UK today, there are over 67,000 children and young people reliant on the state for their care and wellbeing, with 360,000 more needing some level of support from children's services. Coram Voice provides children with a professional adult who will listen to them, establish their wishes, opinions and fears, and work with the child and the system to ensure the child's voice is heard

Published 23 November 2014 By Coram Voice

Coram Voice impact report 2013 – 2014

In the UK today, there are over 68,000 children and young people reliant on the state for their care and wellbeing, with 378,600 more needing some level of support from children's services. Coram Voice provides children with a professional adult who will listen to them, establish their wishes, opinions and fears, and work with the child and the system to ensure the child's voice is heard.

Published 18 October 2014 By Coram Voice

Leaving a gift to Coram: Your questions answered

When you draw up your Will you can specify a list of those whom you wish to benefit, by how much and in what way. At this point, you may also consider leaving Coram a share of the residue that is left over once all major gifts have been made.

Published 23 September 2014 By Coram

Parent Champions final report

Coram evaluated Family and Childcare Trust’s Parent Champions programme aimed at encouraging the use of early years services and particularly the take-up of available childcare. The programme involved volunteers acting as Parent Champions talking to parents in the community signposting them to services.

Published 9 September 2014 By Coram

My Space evaluation report

Coram evaluated Welcare’s My Space, a project developed by Against Violence and Abuse (AVA) and delivered by Welcare in Bromley, London. The project worked with 7-11 year olds who had been identified as having behavioural and emotional problems and also had experienced domestic violence at home.

Published 9 September 2014 By Coram

Concurrent Planning leaflet

Coram's Concurrent Planning places babies and children under two years old with concurrent carers while plans for their future are being decided by the family courts

Published 1 July 2014 By Coram

Adoption and Permanent Families leaflet

Coram’s Adoption and Permanent Families Service is one of the largest independent adoption agencies in the UK working in and around London, East Anglia and the East Midlands.

Published 30 June 2014 By Coram

Relative Experience North East Pilot: final evaluation report

This report represents findings of an independent evaluation of the Relative Experience North East pilot kinship carer support programme, delivered by Grandparents Plus, Family Lives and the Family and Childcare Trust and funded by the Silver Dreams Fund administered by the Big Lottery Fund.

Published 8 June 2014 By Dr Roland Marden and Rebecca Bellew, Policy Research Team, Coram

Evaluation Report for the Justice for Children (IPA 2011) Project

Coram Children's Legal Centre was engaged to conduct the final, summative evaluation of the Justice for Children Project (IPA 2011), which was implemented between November 2012 and July 2014.

Published 5 May 2014 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Awaz Raoof and Jorun Arndt

Changing Lifestyles, Keeping Children Safe: FDAC in Care Proceedings

Launched in January 2008, the Family Drug and Alcohol Court is a new way of dealing with care proceedings when parental substance misuse causes harm to children

Published 2 May 2014 By Professor Judith Harwin, Dr Bachar Alrouh, Mary Ryan and Jo Tunnard

Outcomes of Coram Concurrent Planning: Summary of findings

Coram is the only specialist centre for concurrent planning practice in the UK and has undertaken a study to examine the social, emotional and educational outcomes for the children who have reached permanency through the scheme.

Published 25 March 2014 By Sophie Laws, Rebecca Bellew and Rebekah Wilson, Coram Policy and Research Team

Birth Registration and Children’s Rights – A Complex Story

In 2014, Coram International undertook qualitative research for Plan International's report on the benefits of birth registration for the individual and for the state.

Published 24 January 2014 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Kara Apland and Elizabeth Yarrow

Overprotected and Underserved – United Kingdom

In 2014, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in the United Kingdom.

Published 1 January 2014 By Kirsten Anderson and Jennifer Roest

Overprotected and Underserved – Senegal

In 2014, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in Senegal.

Published 1 January 2014 By Elizabeth Yarrow

Overprotected and Underserved – El Salvador

In 2014, Coram International completed a study on the influence of the law on young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services in El Salvador.

Published 1 January 2014 By Kara Apland

Qualitative research on legal barriers to young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services: Inception report

This inception report forms part of a pilot research project conducted by Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) on behalf of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Published 1 January 2014 By Coram Children's Legal Centre and IPPF

Coram Review 2014

Coram, the first children’s charity, has been creating better chances for children for more than 270 years. During the past year, the Coram group of charities helped more than a million children, young people and families

Published 5 December 2013 By Coram

Coram Adopt Anglia Ofsted report

Coram Adopt Anglia, located in Cambridge, is a branch of Coram, an independent adoption agency whose main office is based in Central London. It recruits, prepares and approves adopters for domestic adoption only, within a 50 mile radius of Cambridge. It supports adoptive families once a child is placed with them and also provides post-adoption support to families and children

Published 28 November 2013 By Ofsted

Coram Adoption East Midlands Ofsted report

Coram Adoption East Midlands is a branch of Coram, an independent adoption agency whose main office is based in Central London. It recruits, prepares and approves adopters for domestic adoption only, within approximately one hour’s travelling distance of the office base in Shepshed, Leicestershire

Published 28 November 2013 By Ofsted

The Family Drug and Alcohol Court Care Proceedings

Launched in January 2008, the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) is a new way of dealing with care proceedings when parental substance misuse causes harm to children. In this article, three professionals from the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, who have been instrumental in developing the FDAC clinical model, discuss the background to this project

Published 29 June 2013 By Steve Bambrough, Mike Shaw & Sophie Kershaw. Journal of Social Work Practice

Community cohesion through schooling

Coram has worked effectively in inner-city communities for many years, and aims to share what it has learnt about effective outreach to diverse populations

Published 12 June 2013 By Dr. Kairika Karsna, Dr. Sophie Laws and Jaspreet Hayre

Fostering for Adoption: Practice Guidance

Fostering for Adoption is a Department for Education (DfE) scheme aimed at ensuring that more children can be placed with their potential permanent carers on a fostering basis while the local authority seeks a placement order from the courts

Published 11 June 2013 By John Simmonds, British Association for Adoption and Fostering

Fostering for Adoption leaflet for carers

Fostering for Adoption aims to place children with their forever family as soon as possible when they cannot live with their birth parents or other family members

Published 5 June 2013 By John Simmonds, British Association for Adoption and Fostering

Family Lives befriending pilot: final evaluation report

Coram offers specialist consultancy evaluation services to a variety of institutions providing research and policy analysis, support for service evaluation, and participatory research with children, young people, parents and staff

Published 1 June 2013 By Roland Marden, Rumi Rabindrakumar and Sophie Laws

Toolkit for CRC & CEDAW Reporting in the Caribbean Region

This online toolkit has been created to facilitate the reporting on and implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms or Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Published 24 March 2013 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton

What Works in Achieving Adoption for Looked After Children

The Coram Centre for Early Permanence (CCEP) works with local authorities and independent adoption agencies to develop and share expertise with the aim of ensuring more children can live with their potential permanent carers at the earliest possible stage of the care process

Published 11 March 2013 By Di McNeish and Sara Scott, DMSS Research

Thomas Coram Foundation for Children Ofsted report

Coram is an independent adoption agency, registered to provide domestic adoption services and adoption support services. The London office support team is serving adopters within a 35 mile radius of central London north of the river Thames, as well as 10 mile radius of central London south of the river Thames

Published 7 March 2013 By Ofsted

Child Justice: A Five Year Strategy for Progressive Reform 2013-2017

In 2012, Coram Children's Legal Centre helped to create the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs' Five Year Strategy to reform juvenile justice in Tanzania.

Published 1 January 2013 By Coram International and UNICEF Tanzania

Justice in Matters Involving Children in Conflict with the Law

Model Law on Juvenile Justice and Related Commentary, published by the United Nations in 2013.

Published 1 January 2013 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton

Evaluation of War Child Holland’s Community-Based Programmes in Sierra Leone

This 2012 evaluation examined WCH's programme on the organisational, community, district and national levels.

Published 2 December 2012 By Kara Apland
Published 2 December 2012 By Carolyn Hamilton, Elizabeth Yarrow and Ruth Barnes

Department of Education’s ‘Call for Views’

Coram seeks to influence policy-makers to ensure that children’s best interests are represented in policy reform

Published 31 August 2012 By Dr. Carol Homden

Placing of Children in Sibling Groups for Adoption Responce

Coram seeks to influence policy-makers to ensure that children’s best interests are represented in policy reform

Published 31 August 2012 By Dr. Carol Homden

The Select Committee on Adoption Legislation’s Call for Evidence

Coram seeks to influence policy-makers to ensure that children’s best interests are represented in policy reform

Published 5 July 2012 By Coram

Coram Life Education leaflet

Coram Life Education is the UK’s leading health and drug education programme helping children to make healthy choices

Published 1 June 2012 By Coram

Reform of the Juvenile Justice System in Moldova

A final evaluation of the four-year 'Reform of the Juvenile Justice System in Moldova' project, published in 2012.

Published 1 January 2012 By Kirsten Anderson

Assessment of the Access to Justice System for Under-18s in Tanzania

Working with the National Organisation for Legal Assistance, a Tanzanian NGO, Coram International undertook this study in 2011 along with another on children in conflict with the law in Tanzania.

Published 1 January 2012 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton and Ruth Barnes

Analysis of the Situation of Children in Conflict with the Law in Tanzania

Working with the National Organisation for Legal Assistance, a Tanzanian NGO, Coram International undertook this study in 2011 along with another on access to justice for children in Tanzania.

Published 1 January 2012 By Kirsten Anderson

An Assessment to Identify Entry Points to Strengthen Child Protection within Early Childhood Development in Malawi

In 2012, Coram International assisted the Government of the Republic of Malawi with the development of this report along with UNICEF Malawi.

Published 1 January 2012 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Elizabeth Yarrow and Jonathan Watkins

Family Drug and Alcohol Court Evaluation Report

Launched in January 2008, the Family Drug and Alcohol Court is a new way of dealing with care proceedings when parental substance misuse causes harm to children.

Published 1 May 2011 By Professor Judith Harwin, Mary Ryan, Jo Tunnard, Dr. Suhash Pokhrel, Bachar Alrouh, Dr. Carla Matias and Dr. Momenian-Schneider

Coram-Harrow partnership report

Coram changes the way professional decisions are made, with an emphasis on placement outcomes - ensuring children are placed earlier and quicker, and in greater numbers.

Published 1 April 2011 By Coram

Administrative detention of children: a global report

The discussion paper was created in 2011 for the Child Protection Section of UNICEF.

Published 1 February 2011 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Kirsten Anderson, Ruth Barnes and Kamena Dorling

Coram Fostering Service Ofsted report

This service, known as Concurrent Planning, operates in partnership with local authorities to provide a specialist service to children up to two years who are subject to care proceedings and where in the view of the courts there is likelihood that the child will need a permanent placement outside the birth family

Published 28 January 2011 By Ofsted

Life in Your Hands: Money

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Rights and responsibilities

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Friends, family and relationships

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Education, training and employment

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Young health and well-being – taking care of your physical health

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Young health and well-being – keep well

Coram is dedicated to helping children and young people transition into independent living by providing them with the information and support they need

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Life in Your Hands: Setting up a home

Coram is dedicated to providing support to care leavers and ensuring they are able to find suitable housing and support

Published 18 January 2011 By Coram

Children and Justice During and in the Aftermath of Armed Conflict

This working paper for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict was co-authored by Carolyn Hamilton of Coram International.

Published 1 January 2011 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton

Azerbaijan Juvenile Justice: Evaluation of Rehabilitation Centre and Legal Clinic

In 2010, Kirsten Anderson conducted an evaluation of Azerbaijan's Diversion Centre and Legal Clinic in Baku.

Published 5 May 2010 By Kirsten Anderson

Because I am a Girl: The State of the World’s Girls

Experts from Coram International contributed legal input to Plan International's report on girls' experiences worldwide in urban environments.

Published 11 March 2010 By Kirsten Anderson, Ruth Barnes and Erica Hall

A Guide to Best Practice in Supervised Child Contact

When the relationship of parents breaks down, it is not only the adults who suffer and wherever possible the child should have the opportunity to remain in contact with both parents. Coram's Guide to Best Practice in Supervised Child Contact is aimed at helping professionals plan and manage contact between parents and children in complex cases.

Published 8 January 2010 By Alan Slade
Published 5 January 2010 By Coram

Coram Annual Review 2010

Coram is the most experienced children’s charity working to tackle the loss of hope and opportunity and to create better chances for children since 1739. In 2010 Coram gave direct help to more than 10,000 children, young people and parents

Published 1 January 2010 By Coram

Practice note 2: Infancy contact research

As the nations leader in concurrent planning, Coram researched the effects and implications early placement have on the emotional development of infants and young children

Published 1 January 2010 By Coram

Legal Analysis of the Child Protection System in Tajikistan

This 2008 report analysed the Tajik child protection system in the light of international standards.

Published 1 September 2008 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton

Justice for Children: Juvenile Crime and Juvenile Justice Practice in Kosovo

This 2008 report presents research findings from a study of the juvenile justice system in Kosovo.

Published 1 January 2008 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton and Kirsten Anderson

Analysis of the Child Protection System in Albania

This 2007 report analysed the Albanian child protection system and provided recommendations.

Published 1 April 2007 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Steven Malby and Gwen Ross

Analysis of the Juvenile Justice System in Georgia

This 2007 report analysed the Georgian juvenile justice system and provided recommendations.

Published 1 January 2007 By Professor Carolyn Hamilton
Published 1 April 2005 By Rachel Harvey

Children and Armed Conflict: A Guide to International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law

Published by the International Bureau for Children's Rights in 2003 and updated in 2010, this guide aims to document the policy and legal framework around children in armed conflict in order to maximise information sharing in the goal of child protection.

Published 1 January 2003 By Rachel Harvey

Juvenile Justice in Sierra Leone: An Analysis of Legislation and Practice

This report, published while the Sierra Leonean Civil War was ongoing, examined the law and practice of Sierra Leone in the field of juvenile justice.

Published 1 September 2000 By Rachel Harvey