Better Decisions, Better Futures: Improving Mental Health Provision for Children in Care

Chair – Prof Rachel Hiller

Rachel is an Associate Professor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health at University College London (UCL). She is also the Head of Postgraduate Studies at Anna Freud and Co-Director of the UK Trauma Council. Rachel is a member of the Board of Directors for the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Rachel’s research focuses on complex child trauma and adversity, with a particular focus on the mental health and wellbeing of children who have a social worker (including those who are in care). Her work here spans investigating psychological and social mechanisms linking trauma and adversity to mental health, as well as the effectiveness and implementation of scalable interventions across social care and mental health settings.

Prof Pasco Fearon

Prof Fearon is a developmental and clinical psychologist, and Director of the Centre for Child, Adolescent & Family Research at the University of Cambridge. He is internationally recognised for his work on child development, children’s mental health, and the critical role of caregiving in shaping emotional, cognitive, and psychological outcomes. His research spans large-scale longitudinal studies — including the Children of the 2020s Study — and multiple intervention trials aimed at supporting families facing adversity. Prof Fearon also contributes to national policy efforts in the UK and internationally, and actively collaborates with partners in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Ghana, and South Africa. At the heart of his work is a deep commitment to promoting positive developmental outcomes through early intervention, sensitive caregiving, and mental health support.

Shaunna Devine

Shaunna Devine is care experienced and currently a PhD researcher at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). She graduated with a First Class degree in BSc Psychology in 2019, followed by a Distinction in her MSc in Brain and Behaviour (Neuroscience) in 2020. She was awarded a Vice-Chancellor scholarship to undertake a PhD in the School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science. Shaunna’s PhD is titled, “Pathways to Social Connectedness in Care Experienced People” explores how early life experiences, including experiences of the care system, can influence sensitivity to social connectedness. In addition to her academic work, Shaunna joined the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) in February 2025 as a Programme Support Officer. In this role, she leads the Inspire Pilot and contributes to a range of wider NNECL projects. Shaunna has been a keen advocate for care experienced people and has advocated for children's rights through her membership on several boards and organisations. This includes the Local Authority Corporate Parenting Board, Unite Foundation sounding board, Become’s widening participation projects, and LJMU Care Experienced and Estranged Board.

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