Brave Hearts in Care - Building Trust, Confidence, and Connections
This conference aims to enhance the outcomes for children and young people in foster care by focusing on the critical importance of relationships.
Why Attend IFCO2025?
IFCO is delighted to announce that, in partnership with Staf (Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum) and The Fostering Network, the IFCO2025 Conference will be held in Glasgow, Scotland. This year’s theme, Brave Hearts in Care: Building Trust, Confidence, and Connections, highlights the vital role of relationships in improving outcomes for children and young people in foster care. Bringing together over 500 foster and kinship carers, care-experienced individuals, professionals, researchers, and policymakers from around the world, the conference offers a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.
Through shared experiences and practical discussions, IFCO2025 aims to strengthen the care system and foster a more supportive environment for every child. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to connect, learn, and drive meaningful change—join us in Glasgow!
What sets IFCO apart is our commitment to fostering long-lasting relationships. We don’t just host conferences; we create lasting legacies in every country we visit. By attending IFCO2025, you’ll be joining a movement that extends far beyond the event itself—helping to shape policy, practice, and support networks for years to come. Another unique feature of IFCO conferences is our dedicated youth and child track, running in parallel with the main programme. This ensures that young people with lived experience are actively engaged, sharing their perspectives and shaping the future of care.
Explore the current programme for IFCO2025, including key sessions, special events, and partner webinars.
What to expect
Global Networking
Connect with professionals from across the globe.
Hands-On Workshops
Build practical skills you can implement immediately.
Visionary Speakers
Learn from thought leaders shaping the future of foster care.
Cultural Experience
Explore Glasgow with fellow attendees.
Keynote Speakers
Fatima Whitbread, MBE
We are proud to welcome Fatima Whitbread, MBE, as a keynote speaker at IFCO 2025 in Glasgow. A former world-record-holding javelin thrower and Olympic medalist, Fatima’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity.
Having spent her early years in care before being adopted by her coach and mentor, Fatima understands firsthand the challenges faced by children growing up in the care system. Her journey—from a difficult start in life to becoming a World Champion, Olympian, and role model—is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of strong support systems.
Beyond her achievements in athletics, Fatima has dedicated her life to mentoring and advocating for young people, using her platform to inspire those facing adversity to reach their full potential.
Join us in Glasgow this June to hear Fatima’s incredible story and be part of the global conversation on foster care, resilience, and empowerment.
Brenda Matthews
We are honoured to welcome Brenda Matthews as a keynote speaker at IFCO 2025 in Glasgow. A proud Wiradjuri woman, author, speaker, and filmmaker, Brenda is a powerful advocate for healing, reconciliation, and the lived experiences of Australia’s Stolen Generations.
Brenda’s journey—shared in her autobiography The Last Daughter and the critically acclaimed documentary of the same name—offers a deeply personal yet universally resonant story of resilience, identity, and the lasting impact of forced removal on Indigenous families. Through her storytelling and advocacy, she continues to build bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Join us in Glasgow this June to hear Brenda’s remarkable insights and be part of the global conversation shaping the future of foster care.
Who Should Attend?
IFCO 2025 is for anyone committed to improving the lives of children and young people in care. This includes foster and kinship carers, care-experienced individuals, social workers, throughcare and aftercare professionals, residential care staff, researchers, policymakers, and sector leaders. With a long-standing tradition of bringing together carers, practitioners, decision-makers, and young people with lived experience from across the globe, the conference provides a vital space to exchange ideas, build connections, and inspire fresh approaches to strengthening family-based care.
What’s Included?
Catering and evening events
Your delegate pass includes all meals, refreshments, and entry to our welcome reception and gala dinner. These evening events offer the chance to enjoy Scottish hospitality, connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting, and continue meaningful conversations that often spark collaboration and lasting relationships beyond the conference itself.
Networking opportunities
Connect with foster and kinship carers, young people, professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Whether during structured sessions or informal moments, IFCO 2025 offers a welcoming space to share ideas, build relationships, and strengthen the global care community.
Access to all sessions
Enjoy full access to a three-day programme of keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by international experts, professionals, and care-experienced individuals. Each session is designed to inspire, challenge thinking, and support real improvements in care practice, policy, and outcomes for children and young people around the world.
Digital resources
After the event, delegates will receive access to a range of digital resources, including presentation slides, session handouts, and practical tools. These materials are designed to help extend learning, support reflection, and enable knowledge-sharing with colleagues and teams at home.
Join Us in Glasgow – Be Part of Something Bigger
IFCO 2025 isn’t just a conference—it’s a powerful gathering of people who care deeply about improving the lives of children and young people in care. Whether you’re a carer, a young person with lived experience, a professional, or a policymaker, your voice matters here.
Places are limited, and Early Bird registration ends 12th May.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and help shape the future of care.