Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), children’s social care services, children and family social workers, foster carers, kinship carers, designated teachers, and other professionals working with children and families.

Details

This expert-led workshop supports adoption and fostering practitioners to develop a deeper, neuro-affirming understanding of autism, ADHD and neurodivergence in children and young people.

Many children in adoption and fostering are neurodivergent. Their ways of experiencing, processing and responding to the world may be recognised early, emerge over time or become more visible as expectations, relationships and environments change. When practitioners understand these differences, they are better able to recognise children’s strengths, reduce barriers and work alongside families to provide timely, compassionate and individualised support.

I found the whole training useful. It gave me a lot of activities I can integrate into current treatments. – Attendee 2026

Grounded in Family Futures’ neurodevelopmental, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach, this workshop explores neurodivergence in the context of developmental trauma and early adversity. Participants will consider how neurodivergence and trauma can interact to shape children’s experiences, while recognising that neurodivergence is a natural aspect of human diversity rather than a consequence of trauma.

I thought the facilitators were so approachable, knowledgeable and extremely professional in their approach. – Attendee 2026

Rather than asking “What’s wrong with this child?”, practitioners will be encouraged to ask “What has this child experienced?”, “How do they experience the world?” and “What helps them feel safe enough to thrive?”

The whole course was useful, especially the examples of direct work with children & young people. – Attendee 2026

The workshop explores how neurodivergence and trauma can influence emotional regulation, sensory experiences, communication, relationships and behaviour, while recognising that every child’s profile is unique. Participants will develop a more nuanced understanding of how neurodivergence and trauma can present similarly, differently, and in combination – building confidence in responding compassionately even when the underlying cause isn’t clear.

Learning 0utcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the diverse characteristics of autism, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, understanding that every child presents differently.
• Understand how neurodivergence and developmental trauma can interact to affect emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing, relationships and behaviour.
• Apply a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed approach to assessment, formulation and support planning within adoption and fostering services.
• Identify children’s strengths as well as their support needs to promote stability, belonging and positive outcomes.
• Apply practical strategies and effective partnership working to support neurodivergent children and young people.

About the trainer

Georgie Kovoor – Clinical Specialist Therapy Services at Family Futures – MA in Music Therapy, Theraplay Level 1 & 2, Group Theraplay, ADI-R (Autism Assessor) and HCPC registered (AS16748)

Georgie is an experienced Music Therapist who uses sound and creative approaches to support children and young people in expressing themselves. She creates a safe and supportive environment where emotional and relational challenges can be explored, helping individuals better understand their experiences and make sense of them over time.

She works with a wide range of families and has particular experience in supporting children and young people with additional needs and diverse neurological profiles, tailoring her approach to meet each individual’s strengths and needs.

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.

By purchasing this training, you agree that recordings may be used for educational and promotional purposes. Participants will be blurred and anonymised.

Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), children’s social care services, children and family social workers, foster carers, kinship carers, designated teachers, and other professionals working with children and families.

Details

Supporting adopted and foster children,  and young people who have experienced trauma, attachment disruption, separation and loss,  requires a multifaceted approach rooted in understanding, empathy, and specialized care.

Recognising the unique challenges these individuals encounter, adoptive parents and professionals must provide a nurturing environment that prioritizes stability, consistency, and therapeutic interventions tailored to their specific needs.

“Denise and Zach are very knowledgeable and shared practical and useful information and tips. It has improved my understanding of how I can support parents who are struggling with challenging behaviours which is great.”
(Adoption Social Worker Mar 2025)

This training course focuses on an attachment, ‘love-based’ approach which is based on techniques and strategies from The Great Behaviour Breakdown; The trainers incorporate their ideas and strategies developed from living and working with children with additional needs, as well as drawing on DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy)/PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance. Curiosity, Empathy, and theraplay) techniques.

Absolutely brilliant course, with fantastic, knowledgeable and really engaging tutors. So glad that we had the opportunity to do this!
(Adoptive Parent March 25)

This training focuses on the particular difficulties faced by children and young people in managing stress and provides a to help parents, carers and professionals manage their children’s behaviours and support their regulatory development.

You will learn practical strategies and be provided with a TOOLBOX of techniques to support parents.

Learning 0utcomes

• The importance of core messages for Parents and Professionals and Positive versus Negative Parenting interventions
• Understanding the Stress Model: Regulation vs Dysregulation and the role of relationship in regulation
• Transforming the Drama Triangle into a Winners Triangle
• The Toolbox of Techniques and applying this to Transitions, Defiance and Physical and Verbal Aggression

About the trainers

Denise Golding is a senior social work practitioner and counsellor. She has 30+ years’ experience of working with children and families, including the past 25+ years working in adoption. She has worked in Child Mental Health and in Statutory as well as Independent and Voluntary Agencies. Denise now works independently as a trainer and counsellor.

Zach Gomm is a foster carer and adopter; he has fostered many children over the past years and is an adoptive father to his son who he has parented using The Great Behaviour Breakdown techniques with amazing results for the past years. Zach now works as a trainer and online coach offering parenting support.

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.

Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), children’s social care services, children and family social workers, foster carers, kinship carers, designated teachers, and other professionals working with children and families.

Details

This expert-led training session led by Dr Helen Rodwell will help practitioners to develop an understanding of autism and neurodiversity in adopted children. We will learn about different ideas on how professionals can ‘get to know’ and then support autistic children, young people, and their families.

“I thought the entire training event was excellent and hearing the input from the adopter perspective was really very valuable and the video clips looking at sensory perceptions from the child’s perspective..” – Attendee, 2024

We will discuss the different aspects of autism and the challenges it can pose for children and parents, providing strategies for managing challenging situations.

“The content of the webinar was so very helpful and interesting. I also really liked the trainer, she shared the information in a really accessible and interesting way.”– Attendee, 2024

The training day will explore the following areas:

• Overview of autism, neurodiversity, and neurodevelopmental disorder
• Beliefs about autism, trauma & attachment
• What does research and the autistic community tell us?
• Tools & resources to support adoptive parents navigating placement transitions, contact, and explaining the past

Learning 0utcomes

• Overview of autism, neurodiversity, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Overview of autism, trauma & attachment
• Tools & resources which professionals can use to get to know the autistic child/young person and identify what might help

About the trainer

Dr Helen Rodwell

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.

Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), children’s social care services, children and family social workers, foster carers, kinship carers, designated teachers, and other professionals working with children and families.

Details

Supporting adopted children and young people facing trauma, attachment disruption, and neurodiversity, including conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), requires a multifaceted approach rooted in understanding, empathy, and specialized care. Recognising the unique challenges these individuals encounter, adoptive parents and professionals must provide a nurturing environment that prioritizes stability, consistency, and therapeutic interventions tailored to their specific needs.

I absolutely loved this training! I think anyone who interacts with young people in their work in any way should complete this training. I learned various new skills to use in my interactions with young people. It has changed the way I think and communicate. Thank you so much. Denise and Zach are excellent at what they do.”– Attendee, 2023

This training course focuses on an attachment, ‘love-based’ approach which is based on techniques and strategies from The Great Behaviour Breakdown; The trainers incorporate their ideas and strategies developed from living and working with children with additional needs, as well as drawing on DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy)/PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance. Curiosity, Empathy, and theraplay) techniques.

I have found this one of the most beneficial training I  have attended. I will definitely be able to use the strategies within my work. the instructors are very knowledgeable, there is a good pace to the training,  with good examples given. I have already started to recommend this course to my colleagues.” – Attendee, 2023

This training focuses on the particular difficulties faced by children and young people in managing stress and provides a to help parents, carers and professionals manage their children’s behaviours and support their regulatory development.

You will learn practical strategies and be provided with a TOOLBOX of techniques to support parents.

Learning 0utcomes

• Core messages for Parents and Professionals
• Incorporating the Stress Model: Regulation vs Dysregulation
• Transforming the Drama Triangle into a Winners Triangle
• Techniques to deal with Transitions
• Managing Defiance and Physical and Verbal Aggression

About the trainers

Denise Golding is a senior social work practitioner and counsellor. She has 30+ years’ experience of working with children and families, including the past 25+ years working in adoption. She has worked in Child Mental Health and in Statutory as well as Independent and Voluntary Agencies. Denise now works independently as a trainer and counsellor.

Zach Gomm is a foster carer and adopter; he has fostered many children over the past years and is an adoptive father to his son who he has parented using The Great Behaviour Breakdown techniques with amazing results for the past years. Zach now works as a trainer and online coach offering parenting support.

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.