People who have experienced care remain one of the most neglected and stigmatised groups in society. Their outcomes continue to be poor compared with peers who have not been in care, from education to homelessness, prison populations to mental health.
It is increasingly understood that this is a failure of the system, not of young people themselves. The narrative is changing and further progress should be made now that a root and branch review of the Scottish care system has been announced, supported by the 1000 Voices campaign. In England, a fostering inquiry is under way.
Crucially, both reviews are committed to championing the care-experienced voice. Fiona Duncan, chair of the review in Scotland, has said that “while the review will be complex and the issues challenging, it will be the expertise of children and young people with lived experience of the system who will ensure a focus on what matters”.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring about transformative change for a group of people who desperately need it. Many legislative and organisational changes over the years have attempted to improve the experiences of children in care. Some have been more effective than others.
Yet the only thing that matters is how children encounter the care system. I spent more than seven years in care and saw the good, the bad and the ugly. But I am only one voice.
There are thousands more who need to be heard and now we have a platform to enable that. If we listen, we will shape the future of care across the UK and set an example for the rest of the world.
I implore care-experienced young people: if you are ready, speak out about your experiences. Share the good as well as the bad. I know that doing this can be both challenging and liberating, often at the same time. But it will be worth it. By sharing your story, you will be playing your part in transforming care for others.
This is not just true of young people. Growing up in care can be cripplingly difficult. Many care-experienced adults I know feel a deep sense of shame as a result of the stigma they have grown up with. But the value that adults with care experience bring to the sector is being recognised. Who Cares? Scotland has set up an alumni group and Aspire to More continues to write popular profiles of inspirational care-experienced adults. These adults are proof that it is possible to survive, even thrive, after the care system.
Having the time to reflect on your experience, as well as gaining access to your care files, means adults have unique and valuable insights to offer. You are also role models: share that invaluable wisdom and leave a legacy.
The root and branch review in Scotland and fostering inquiry in England are also committed to hearing from people involved in the care of children. What encourages you? What frustrates you? What scares you? It’s time for foster parents, teachers, healthcare workers, social workers and everyone else to speak up and make their voices heard too. As trusted adults, you also hold an inimitable position to encourage and support children to contribute to these reviews.
The challenges faced by those who have been in care are not unique to the UK; the failure of how children are cared for is a global challenge. But by acknowledging that we must do better, and with these reviews under way, we have the opportunity to lead by example in supporting some of the most vulnerable children in society.
The outcome will be shaped by two things: how the reviews are undertaken and what is contributed to them. Let’s ensure our voices are heard loud and clear to create a system that cherishes, loves and truly supports the children it cares for.
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