Attachment Theory Training : A new look at the most relevant ideas and applications for social work with children and families

Attachment theory is widely taught in social work – yet much of what circulates is outdated, irrelevant or overextended. This session cuts through the noise. Drawing on the latest research and the realities of frontline practice, it identifies which attachment concepts genuinely add value to child and family social work, and which are best set aside. Designed to meet you wherever you are in your understanding and use, the session will either strengthen your existing approach with evidence you can cite, or offer concrete ideas to refine it. You'll leave with a clearer, defensible basis for using attachment theory in practice.

⭐ Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, you will be able to:

• Articulate and justify appropriate use of attachment theory through reference to current research, strengthening the quality and credibility of your practice.

• Challenge poor or inaccurate attachment theory use when you encounter it from colleagues or other professionals, strengthening your standing as a knowledgeable and critically informed practitioner.

• Apply a peer-reviewed curriculum framework and accompanying reading list that provides a foundation for your ongoing independent learning and continuing professional development in this area.

⭐ Programme Outline

Across the three hours, the session covers:

• The attachment concepts and findings that are most relevant and useful for social work practice – and key evidence underpinning them.

• Why some of the most widely taught attachment concepts have limited relevance to practice – and why it can be problematic to draw on them in social work practice.

• How to apply attachment ideas appropriately to social work practice – including examples relevant to safeguarding, children in care, fostering, and adoption.

• Challenges with the language used in relation to attachment, and how we can improve the way we write and talk about it in social work practice.

⭐ Trainer Bio - Dr Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster began her career as a workforce development manager in children's services and has more than ten years' experience as a university educator on professional social work programmes. Developing practitioners — and through them, practice — is what drives her work.

Sarah’s PhD examined how social workers understand and apply attachment theory in child welfare assessment, distinguishing the ways of using it that add real value from those that carry pitfalls. Her close understanding of how the theory is used by social workers sits alongside a deep connection to the international attachment research community: Sarah has collaborated with leading researchers worldwide on multiple consensus statements clarifying how the theory can be understood and used well. She is among those leading the international conversation about what social workers need from attachment theory, and how to apply it in practice.

Most recently, Sarah has drawn on the latest research and on the experience of practitioners to identify which contemporary attachment concepts genuinely serve child welfare work: culminating in development of a new attachment curriculum specifically for children's social workers.

Delivered using MS Teams in an interactive virtual classroom with limited group sizes. Corporate multi booking rates available - contact ProfDE@basw.co.uk for details.

If you’re not yet a BASW member, now’s the perfect time to join. Membership starts from just £5.39 a month and gives you access to this training, plus a huge range of BASW events, at a significantly reduced rate. It’s a great way to invest in your professional growth while connecting with a supportive community. Learn more here: https://basw.co.uk/why-join-basw