The first Home for Good Summit took place on October 4 at the Q3 academy in Birmingham.
It was the first national gathering of current and prospective foster carers, adoptive parents, social workers, and church leaders who want to support them. Speakers included: Louise Bomber, a thought leader in attachment-based parenting; Jeremy Cooper, CEO of Impower, which advises local authorities on recruiting foster carers; Professor Keith Brown, chair of Social Work at Bournemouth University, adoptive mum Rachel Gardener, president of Girls’ Brigade England & Wales; and foster dad and adoptive dad Krish Kandiah, Home for Good’s founder and director. Worship was led by Scottish singer/song writer Amie Aitken, who was in foster care as a child before being adopted by a Christian family.
New helpline
An important part of the day was the launching of a dedicated phone helpline for Christians thinking about adoption and a brand new route to adoption for Christians who are willing to help find homes for the 6,000 children left behind in the care system. With over 100 children present – mostly adopted or foster children, or young carers – there was a dedicated children’s programme that sought to connect to their specific needs.
‘It was such an exciting day seeing hundreds of people passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. It felt like a movement of compassion and hospitality is beginning to sweep through the UK church. Make sure your local congregation is part of what God is doing’, said Home for Good’s founder, Dr Krish Kandiah.
Sold out
Over 400 people attended the hugely encouraging event, with families coming from across the UK; one delegate had flown over from Los Angeles to be at the gathering. The event was sold out weeks before, with some 50 people on the waiting list for places. Next year’s summit will take place on September 19 – book in early!
