Kinship reflections from the AFKA Cymru Annual Conference in Cardiff – June 2025

Kinship Cymru was delighted to attend the AFKA Cymru Annual Conference on Wednesday 10 June 2025, connecting with colleagues from across the third sector and local authority organisations in Wales.

It was a great platform to hear about developments, share ideas, and discuss how we can better support kinship families and carers.

Our Programme Manager in Wales, Victoria Grey shares her reflections below.

Committing to change for kinship carer in Wales

We know that there is more to do for kinship carers but there was an overwhelming commitment from all present to drive change. It was particularly positive to see the support and commitment from Welsh Government.

Alistair Davey (Enabling People Director, Welsh Government) delivered a powerful opening address. He asked carers what support they need from the Government to improve their journey and pledged to work toward providing greater support and achieving parity for carers across Wales. His appreciation for carers’ hard work and dedication was warmly received.

Sharing best practice

Maureen Japp (Associate Family Group Conferencing (FGC) co-ordinator, Y Bont) shared the positive outcomes of Family Group Conferencing (FGC) trials in select areas of Wales.

Seven more local authorities will be piloting the approach later this year. Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT), one of these authorities, has introduced a Family Group Co-ordinator role to support this work. RCT also commission our Kinship Connected programme, so it’s good to see this further investment in supporting kinship families. Further updates are expected in due course.

Sharing the voices of kinship carers Pembrokeshire

In a standout session came from Pembrokeshire SGO carers, who debuted a short, emotional film about their kinship care journeys. They beautifully expressed what being a carer means to them, reinforcing that family is defined by love and life—not DNA. It was a raw and moving presentation that set an inspiring tone for the day.

Public Law Outline relaunch and assessment best practice

A thought-provoking Q&A session with Sarah Coldrick (AFKA Cymru), John Simmonds CBE (Public Law Working Group), and Becky Thomas (LA Child Care Solicitor) explored best practice around assessments and the relaunch of the Public Law Outline (PLO).

It offered valuable insight into timelines, process challenges, and how to reduce delays in court assessments.

Launch of revised Form K

Lead by Claire Seth and Ann Horne from CoramBAAF and after a 12-month collaboration with AFKA Cymru, a revised and aligned Form K (used in both England and Wales) will be trialled in the coming months, with a full rollout expected by the end of 2025.

The improvements are aimed at making the form easier and more consistent to use. Read about Form K and what support you can access: https://corambaaf.org.uk

Free training opportunities for Kinship Foster Carers in Wales

AFKA Cymru is offering a free, nationwide training programme for Kinship Foster Carers and prospective special guardians. These online sessions run four times a year and are open to carers beginning the assessment process or newly granted SGOs.

To book, contact: info@afkacymru.org

Additional training is available for professionals working with SGO carers and their children, including the course ‘Understanding SGO in Education’, which can be booked via the AFKA website: https://afkacymru.org.uk/

Special guardianship order cards for local authorities in Wales

Attendees were reminded about the availability of SGO cards, which can be distributed via local authority partners. Launched last year, these cards have been a great success in supporting kinship carers.

Foster Wales and AFKA Cymru – Good Practice Guide

A session focused on the upcoming Good Practice Guide, developed in line with the special guardianship code of practice. This guide outlines local authority responsibilities toward current and prospective SGO carers. The launch is scheduled for late 202, keep up to date at https://fosterwales.gov.wales/.

Working with Kinship Cymru

If you’re a professional working with kinship carers in Wales, do get in touch to see how we can support you. Email commissioning@kinship.org.uk

We offer the following support for kinship carers in Wales:

Kinship Connected in Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (now in our 5th year).

Our Advice Service – we provide an excellent bilingual advice service with a dedicated Advice Worker with:

• our website available in Welsh (click translation button at the top of this page)
• specific guidance and advice for kinship carers in Wales
• download our advice flyer available in Welsh and English below

Someone Like Me – our peer support listening service for kinship carers – open to kinship carers in Wales to access and also to volunteer for.