Can we help? |
Call on... |
020 7735 8941 |
Or send an... |
CFAB News
CFAB Trafficking Symposium
July 2011
On 6th July 2011 CFAB held a Child Trafficking Symposium for professionals to come together to draft new guidelines and regulations to take to Government to better protect children that are trafficked into the UK. The day was a huge success with expert speakers starting off the day before delegates had round table discussions to come up with new proposals for each stage in a child's journey to the UK. The recommendations have been sent to the Minister in Government along with a list of supporting organisations. This is the second symposium CFAB has held and we will aim to hold one per year.
International Council Assembly and Conference 2012
June 2011
The ISS International Council (members of ISS) assembles somewhere in the world every two years. The last two ISS Council meetings were at Cape Town, South Africa and Hong Kong. In May 2012, the International Council will meet at the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada. This will be the first ever assembly of the ISS International Council in the Americas. In conjunction with its regular meeting, this ISS event will include and Open Conference, inviting social service providers in the Americas to join their peers from around the world for a unique international experience. The Conference theme is: The Growing Wave - Global Human Migration For more information please click here
CFAB stuns at First Night Party Art Antiques London
May 2011
June 8th welcomed a very much anticipated evening for CFAB, which had earlier in the year been chosen as the beneficiary charity for the First Night Party at the Art Antiques London Fair. The First Night Party welcomed 500 people to a stunning champagne reception and private view of the Art Antiques Fair, which hosted over 70 leading exhibitors from all across the world. 240 guests then stayed on for a wonderful 3 course dinner and entertainment overlooking the Albert Memorial. The evening saw a hugely successful live auction take place by Humphrey Butler and a varied silent auction to raise funds for CFAB's work with children and families. The evening raised a whopping £400,000 which is an amazing achievement.
CFAB would like to extend their warmest thanks to the Chairmen Leni, Lady Miller and Allison McGrath and the whole organising committee for all their hard work and dedication in making this evening such a success. Also to the volunteers who gave their time to help on the night. We are enormously grateful to you all.
To view stunning photos from this event please click here
To see a video of the event please click here
Photographer: Tim Griffiths
Greenwich students complete 6 month placement at CFAB
May 2011
In May 2011 CFAB said goodbye to three students from Greenwich who had undertaken a 100 day placement at the organisation as part of their MA course. The students were all supervised by one of our Intercountry Social Workers and became integrated members of the team taking on a small case load and manning our advice line. The placement received bery positive feedback and we are likely to repeat this again next year with three more students from Greenwich. We wish the girls every success in their futures!
CFAB 52nd World Market equals last year's amazing success!!
May 2011
On 10th and 11th May 2011 CFAB held one of the most vibrant Spring Fairs in London at the Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall. Each year the hall transforms into a colourful spectacle where Embassies from nearly 100 countries set up stalls to sell crafts and food unique to their countries. The 2 days were a wonderful success with thousands walking through the doors to shop, have a go on the Tombola, buy a raffle ticket or watch the array of spectacular entertainment from around the world. The event raised approximately £65,000 which is a fantastic achievement and financial contribution to the work we carry out.
Photos from this event can be viewed here - Photographer Emily Sieler
CFAB would like to thank all the Embassies and staff involved in working so hard and dedicating their time to ensuring this event was the success it was.
MEDIA
CFAB presents workshop at Community Care Live 2011
May 2011
On 19th May CFAB and Islington council presented a workshop on Private fostering arrangements for children from overseas, the challenges associated with this and good tips for best practice. Approximately 100 delegates attended the workshop. Feedback was exceptionally positive.
'I learnt the legal status of children from overseas in private fostering arrangements in the UK needs to be thought through by the authorities. These children are vulnerable.’
The overall event was a great success with over 2,900 delegates visiting over the two days.
CFAB Child Protection Lecture
April 2011
On 4th April 2011 CFAB held its second annual Child Protection Lecture with guest speakers The Rt Hon Baroness Butler Sloss and Jim Gamble speaking on "UK and International responses to child trafficking." The event welcomed nearly 100 professionals to the prestigous Governor's House in Monument. Both lectures were very inspiring and motivational highlighting the importance of organisations working together on this issue. The lectures were followed on by a lively plenary session giving members of the audience the chance to ask questions and give their views. The evening was a hugely successful and enjoyable evening.
To read the transcript of the lecture please click here.
You can watch the lecture online by clicking here.
Akris Fashion Show
April 2011
On 29th March a wonderful event took place in the stunning Swiss Ambassador's Residence - CFAB held its first fashion show, kindly hosted by the Swiss Ambassador and his wife. Swiss fashion house Akris fronted the fashion show and entertained over 200 guests to their beautiful Spring/Summer collection. The overall atmosphere was buzzing and everyone had a very enjoyable evening. CFAB are thrilled to have raised approximately £13,500 for the charity - a wonderful achievement.
We are so grateful to Akris and everyone at the Swiss Embassy for organising this hugely successful evening for us.
CFAB has busiest month on record on Advice Line !
March 2011
CFAB is delighted to announce that March was our busiest month ever on record for enquiries to our advice line which is funded by the DFE. We have handled 161 queries in March, up from the previous record of 155 in July 2009.
This is great news and testament to the excellent training work we are doing in local authorities and in raising the profile of CFAB generally.
CFAB key member of the London Safeguarding Board for Olympics 2012
March 2011
CFAB has been as a key member of the London Safeguarding Board Olympics Sub-Group with additional presence on the Training Workstream (ie participating in the design and delivery of safeguarding children material for games ambassadors and volunteers) and the Rapid Response workstream.
Essentially CFAB is the only agency providing the international dimension to safeguarding practice during the games.
Our involvement has been via an interview over the phone with GLE and a written response from Stuart Barker (Senior Intercountry Social Worker) including a case study. In particular the CFAB case study was used as an example of good practice in working with countries of origin in order to safeguard children. There are a few comments from Stuart in the report which have been taken from the interview.
To read the full report recently published please click here
ICP Dinner equals last years success!
March 2011
CFAB is thrilled to annouce that the fifth International Child Protection Dinner held at the Italian Ambassador's Residence on 10th March raised an incredible £165,000. Equally last years record! The evening was a wonderful success with friends and supporters enjoying a fabulous champagne reception, followed by the culinary delights of Zafferano's for a sit down dinner. Fundraising activities included a stunning selection of art pieces from the Broad Gallery for the silent auction, and Steve Rider was our lively auctioner for the live auction with some really terrific prizes on offer.
CFAB would like to thank HE The Italian Ambassador for hosting such an event and for all the kindness of the Italian Embassy, as well as the ICP Organising Committee. And a special thank you to our supporters who made the evening such a success.
To see the Diplomat Magazine coverage of the event please click here
CFAB work shop at Community Care Live 2011
March 2011
CFAB will be holding a work shop at the Community Care Live event on 18 and 19 May at the Business Design Centre in Islington discussing Private Fostering among other issues. The workshop will be held at 2.45pm to 3.30pm and it’s completely FREE to attend! For more information about this event and a chance to register please click here
CFAB awarded £229,000 over 2 years
February 2011
CFAB is thrilled to have been awarded a DFE grant for 2 years of £229,000 for our unique advice line service and to expand our innovative training program. Please see full details from the DFE website here
CFAB helps end child detention
January 2011
CFAB has been closely involved in the reference group which came up with the plans to end child detention. The announcement was made in December 2010 and CFAB are thrilled at the developments. CFAB will be watching closely to see how the plans we helped draw up are implemented.
CFAB and the Art and Antiques Fair, London, 2011
January 2011
CFAB is thrilled to have been chosen as the beneficiary charity for 2011's Art & Antiques Fair. The evening will consist of a private view of the Fair and champagne reception for 800 people followed by dinner for 250, in the Fair’s beautifully situated restaurant in Kensington Gardens overlooking the Albert Memorial. For more information on this wonderful event and details of how to reserve tickets please click here
CFAB in Brussels
December 2010
Members of the European Social Network inclusing CFAB met in Brussels on 6-7 December to review the network’s programme in the last three years and discuss ways forward. The meeting brought together over 50 members from 21 countries to discuss and highlight priorities for the next three years, in light of immediate and long-term challenges to social services in Europe.
Please click here for more information
CFAB on Sky News
November 2010
On 5th November 2010 Sky News aired a documentary about our very unique and special Family Reunification Project in Libya. This emotive yet fascinating documentary Libya: The Stolen Children is available to watch here.
CEO Andy Elvin appeared the following day live on Sky News in response to the documentary. Please click here to listen to the interview.
CFAB's Killa Climb
October 2010
A group of 4 CFAB staff are embarking on the adventure of a life time – come October 2011 they will be pushing their mental and physical capabilities to the limits as they begin climbing one of the tallest peaks in the world – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Heather, Hannah, Shaziah and Christina will be raising as much money as possible for Children and Families Across Borders. They will be counting on all of your support to reach the top. Anything you can give to support this fantastic cause will make all the difference. The girls are very determined and excited about this adventure. Updates on how training is going will be posted on the CFAB blog and facebook site so do follow their progress.
Please support the CFAB team today by donating whatever you can to this amazing cause and challenge.
Please click on the link below to visit our just giving page and donate today!
A huge thank you from us all.
http://www.justgiving.com/CFAB1
CFAB Private Fostering Symposium
October 2010
On 28th October 2010 CFAB hosted a Private Fostering Symposium to bring together professionals in this area to come up with alternative guidelines and recommendations to working with privately fostered children from overseas. The opening address was given by our Patron Lord Laming which set the scene perfectly for the day. Round table discussions took place throughout the event to address certain questions and to come up with recommendations to take to Government. These recommendations were collated at the end of the day.
These recommendations have been sent to the Minister in the Department for Education and we are awaiting back feedback.
CFAB would like to thank all the speakers on the day for thier contribution and for everyone's participation.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/scandal-of-our-privately-fostered-children-2077182.html
CFAB attends Berlin Seminar's Meeting
October 2010
ISS Germany kindly hosted this years Supervisors Meeting in their Berlin office. CFAB's Meena Enawalla attended along with colleagues from Spain, Romania, Turkey, Australia and Sweden. Over the 3 days the team worked on numerous topics to explore and find solutions to questions such as How can we expand and strengthen our networks? What are the trends on the demand for services locally and globally, and how does ISS want to respond? How 
can we be more effective and efficient in our service delivery across the networks? By the end of the meeting everyone present had learnt a lot about each other’s social work structures and practice. The findings were presented to the General Secretariat on the last day. Overall, it was an extremely successful event.
Click here to watch a video produced by Romania of the Berlin Seminar's Meeting.
CFAB supports young London theatre company
October 2010
CFAB has become an official partner of Swivel Theatre Company!! Swivel is a newly formed theatre group set up by young ambitious individuals who wanted to produce classical theatre..with a twist! CFAB's Christina Turner helped found the company and is now busy working towards her first production of 'Othello' which will run between 1st and 20th February 2011 (excluding Mondays) at Baron's Court Theatre,London. A percentage of the ticket sales will be donated to CFAB. CFAB is thrilled to be part of such an exciting and personal project.
Please check the website www.othello-live.co.uk for information about booking tickets to a show. We hope you will be able to come and support this project!
CFAB visits ISS Romania
September 2010
On 16th September Stuart Barker, Senior Intercountry Social Worker visited the Romanian city of
Timisoara to see a wonderful NGO called Generatie Tanara (part of ISS Romania) who provide services to victims of child trafficking. Thanks to the Comic Relief funding this year this is an area of work CFAB is going to expand in the future. The trip was very successful in establishing good links with the organisation of which we are now able to refer victims of child trafficking here in the UK to, when looking to send a victim back to their home country. CFAB is dedicated to helping children who have been trafficked into the UK return to a safe and loving environment in their home country. CFAB and Generatie Tanara will work in partnership to ensure as many children as possible are successfully reunited with their families and loved ones in a safe and supported environment.
Comic Relief funding secured for child trafficking project
August 2010
CFAB is absolutely thrilled to have secured three year funding from Comic Relief to fund our child trafficking project from 2010-2013. CFAB will work along side the NSPCC CTAIL Helpline to reunite victims of child trafficking into the UK to return to their home country and be reunited with their families. We are able to carry out assessments of family members in the home country to ensure that the child is not at risk of being trafficked again and has the love and support needed.
Successful Family Reunion project in Libya
July 2010
After having to cancel our 2009 annual Libya trip we were thrilled to go ahead with 2010's familiy reunion trip on 26th July for 2 weeks. Marek, \Senior Project Manager and Meena, Operations Manager accompanied 20 mothers and 4 children to Libya this year to be reunited with their children following their abductions. This very unique project is some mothers only hope of seeing their children again. The trip was a huge success with all but one family seeing their children again. This years trip was filmed by SKY News of which a documentary will be broadcast on 5th November 2010 for an hour on Sky News. Please tune in to watch it!
Social Work and Social Development Conference Hong Kong
July 2010
CFAB CEO Andy Elvin recently presented at the first annual International Social Work conference in Hong Kong.
Social work practitioners, academics and government officials from around the world gathered to discuss current issues in social work. We were able to promote our view that international social work issues should become a set module on all pre and post qualifying social work courses worldwide.
Andy was joined by International Social Service network colleagues from China, Australia, USA and Switzerland in presenting a workshop on the issues faced by children moving across borders. The workshop focussed on placement with family members overseas, unaccompanied asylum seekers and successful returners programs, mediation in family breakdown and abduction cases and the work of the ISS network.
The workshop attracted a good deal of interest and we made excellent contacts with colleagues from the Philippines, India, Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) and Taiwan which should strengthen our work with these countries.
Whilst there Andy also had the opportunity to see the excellent work of ISS Hong Kong especially the work they undertake with asylum seekers from overseas and migrants from mainland China.
Over 3500 professionals attended the conference and the second such conference will be in Stockholm in 2012.CFAB Summer Party
July 2010
On Saturday 3rd July 2010 CFAB held its first Summer Party which was very kindly hosted by Mr and Mrs Ali Sarikhani at their magnificent Hutton Farm Estate in Henley-on-Thames. Over 80 guests attended the event and were treated to an exceptional afternoon which included entertainment in the form of archery, sheep dog trials and lively music and dancing! The food and refreshments were delicious starting with tea and scones, followed by a champagne reception and finishing with a traditional farmhouse evening buffet that was truly splendid. Fundraising on the day consisted of a small live auction with three prizes, a pledge card appeal and a silent auction of stunning artwork provided by the Broad Gallery.
The event raised over £35,000 for CFAB in our work to help protect vulnerable children and adults across international borders which was an amazing achievement.
We would like to sincerely thank the Sarikhani family for their generosity in organising and hosting this event. CFAB would also like to thank all guests for their kind support and generosity throughout the evening. Words cannot express our gratitude.
CFAB comments to Community Care Magazine about child abduction
June 2010
Meena Enawalla Operation Manager at CFAB spoke to Louise Tickle from Community Care Magazine about how social workers should react when children in care, or children about whom there are concerns, are whisked abroad by family members.
To read the full article please click here
CFAB World Market Thank You Party
June 2010
On Tuesday 1st June 2010 CFAB held a World Market Thank You Party at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. It was wonderful to see many of the stall holders again and be able to express our heart felt thanks for their efforts and support over the last few months. We are so lucky to have such dedication and generosity from the Diplomatic Community here in London. Without this support the World Market simply would not be able to take place, and we are so very grateful to all the countries who participated this year helping to make the 51st World Market such a successful and colourful event.
The Thank You Party was very kindly sponsored by Hyatt Regency London who provided the fantastic venue and IDS who provided the delicious food and beverages.
At the moment the World Market has raised around £70,000 and we are still awaiting for some country’s contribution, so we hope this figure will rise.
Planning for the 2011 World Market will begin soon with the first coffee party to take place in November, we hope to see all the countries return next year as well as a few more!
CFAB 2010 Pro-Am Golf Tournament & Gala Dinner
May 2010
The bi-annual CFAB Golf Tournament took place at the magnificent Stoke Park Club, Buckinghamshire on Monday 24th May 2010. The focus of the day was to raise money for the charity’s work in the field of international child abduction.
Lady professionals joined teams from Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Julius Baer to name but a few and of course our sponsors, Credit Suisse, to battle it out on one most challenging courses in the country. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day weather wise. A competitive round of golf was followed by a champagne reception and gala dinner with entertainment. The eagerly anticipated prize giving crowned the top teams, as well as many other prizes dished out for individual triumphs.
Fundraising on the evening was a storming success and Steve Rider ensured a lively auction made a considerable contribution to the total raised. The raffle was also extremely popular as there was a chance to win some fantastic prizes. The generosity of all those in attendance resulted in the day raising around £90,000 for the charity which is a new record for the Golf Tournament. CFAB would like to sincerely thank Dr Sattaripour and the organising committee for hosting and arranging such a fantastic event.
DCSF releases this information on intercountry adoption guidance
May 2010
Please click here to read the report in full
A year to remember... CFAB 51st World Market comes to London
May 2010
On the 12th May 2010 CFAB held its 51st International World Market in Kensington Town Hall to raise money for the charity and the invaluable work we do with children and families.
Representatives from over 80 of London’s Diplomatic Missions hosted stalls, offering products that are unique to their country including hand made crafts, jewellery, clothing and accessories as well as delicious international food from around the world. The town hall was transformed into a colourful, exotic and lively arena for all to enjoy!
The event was filled with dynamic entertainment provided by the energetic Angolan drummers, traditional Mexican Mariachi band, Fijian warriors and performers from Sri Lanka, as well as wonderful competitions. Guests had the opportunity to win superb prizes in our raffle, tombola and silent auction including hotel stays, restaurant visits, flights and sports memorabilia. Many congratulations go to all the winners of these fantastic prizes. For a list of the raffle prize winners please click here
We were also honoured to have our patron HRH Princess Alexandra attend our event before it opened. She thanked the stall holders and also purchased quite a few items!
We would like to thank our Committee Chairman Heather Starkey, Mrs Carmen Davies, Mrs Pauline Sieler, Mrs Caroline Stephens and Mrs Judy Chilton for all their invaluable help in making this year a great success.
Read about CFAB in Hello Magazine!
Diplomat Magazine covers the World Market
Read about the Czech Republic at the CFAB World Market
Read how CFAB's 51st World Market makes the news in the Philippines
View the photogallery here
CFAB hosts successful Inaugural Child Protection Lecture
April 2010
On 29th April 2010 CFAB welcomed over 60 professionals to Governors House, London for the Inaugural Child Protection Lecture delivered by Lord Laming - a patron himself to the charity.
The event was a huge success for the charity providing a stimulating and thought provoking opportunity for professionals to network and hear from a key figure in the social work arena. Huge thanks go to Lord Laming for such an excellent lecture and to Alex Verdan, QC and Lord Justice Thorpe for participating in the plenary session.
To view a full transcript of the lecture please click here
CFAB particpiates in the ECPAT Three Small Steps campaign to ensure provision of safe accommodation for child victims of trafficking
March 2010
CFAB has written to Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, calling on him to ensure provision of safe accommodation for child victims of trafficking.
Many children who have been trafficked into the UK are being placed in accommodation that fails to provide for their needs as child victims who have suffered tremendous physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse. Due to limited specialist care and a lack of training on and awareness of the issue of trafficking, the experiences and needs of these children are not recognised or dealt with appropriately through the care that they currently receive.
To view the letter please click here
CFAB International Child Protection Dinner record breaker!
11th February 2010
This years International Child Protection Dinner held at the Spanish Embassy has broken all previous records raising an outstanding £170,000! This is an incredible achievement for CFAB and we are enormously grateful to HRH Princess Alexandra, HE The Spanish Ambassador and Mrs Massanet and the staff at the Spanish Embassy and our ICP Events Committee for making the night a truly memorable occasion.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a stunning three course meal full of laughter and merriment. A live and silent auction were the activities for the night and our Chairman Douglas Lewis once again did another fantastic job as auctioneer, selling some really wonderful prizes.
All the staff at CFAB would like to extend their warmest thanks to all who came to support the charity on the night.
To view the wonderful photogallery from the event please click here
CFAB training event - 'Safeguarding children across borders - Challenges for best practice'
26th January 2010
Migration, both voluntary and forced, and its impact on the population in the UK, is influencing social work practice. The migrant population in the UK continues to increase, and in London, 31% of the population was born overseas.
In this context, professionals are facing new challenges to safeguard children with an international cultural background and to provide support services to them. CFAB held a one training event at Friends House, Euston to discuss with professionals these challenges and will give practical guidance on how to deal with these issues.
The day featured presentations from expert speakers in this field and a series of workshops run by CFAB staff to discuss cases that are dealt with here on a daily basis. For more detailed information on this training and what the day entailed please click here
EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI: Intercountry adoption cases
18th January 2010
As in every dramatic event that affects a country, the question arises again about the intercountry adoption of children in the Haitian context.
In this regard, ISS / IRC first recalls that, in general, international adoption should not take place in a situation of war or natural disaster, given that these events make it impossible to verify the personal and family situation of children. Any operation to adopt or to evacuate children that are victims of the earthquake to another country must be absolutely avoided. To read this statement in full from our General Secretariat please click here.