A major new conference being organised by Loughborough University will examine the complex issues surrounding the welfare of children.

Professionals tasked with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of abused and neglected children face exceptionally complex and difficult challenges.  They have to judge whether a child is suffering, consider what action should be taken and when, and plan how can resources best be deployed – a matter crucial in the current economic climate.

The conference will provide an opportunity for those working in the arena of child welfare to hear about current expert research in the area.  It will be of interest to social workers, health professionals, those in the family justice system, professionals in adult services working with parents, managers of children’s services and policy makers.

The event is being organised by the University’s Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR). It will be held on 28 March 2014 on the University campus.  Keynote speakers include Professor Hans Grietens from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, Professor Jane Barlow from Warwick University and Harriet Ward, Director of CCFR at Loughborough.  Presentations will cover issues such as:

• Pre-birth assessment
• Parental capacity to overcome abusive and neglectful behaviour patterns
• Long term outcomes for abused and neglected children
• Safeguarding children through placements away from home
• Pedagogy in foster care
• The personal and financial cost of abuse and neglect.

Professor Harriet Ward, comments: “The theme for our conference is that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.  We want to share important findings from research in this area with those involved in protecting children. Providing expert information and support will help them tackle the difficult challenges they face on a day to day basis.”

Further information on the conference is available by visiting http://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ccfr/news/ccfr-conference-2014.html or by contacting Laura Dale at L.dale@lboro.ac.ukis being held at Loughborough on 28 March and is being organised by the University’s Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR).