To say that children in care are more likely to enter the youth justice system is true, but the implication that the care system is to blame is not (Childhood in care raises risk of entering English youth justice system eightfold, 21 September). I worked in child protection for many years and saw firsthand how children cannot be legally removed from an unsafe parenting situation until there is good enough evidence that they are being significantly harmed. Indeed, sometimes it is the proof of the damage itself that provides sufficient grounds for removal.
These are children who have experienced abuse, neglect and insecure attachments – all the factors we know that can (though do not necessarily) lead to criminal behaviour later on. I’ve seen some children settle really well in their new lives in care and make great progress with relationships, behaviour and education – everything we would wish for for them. But for some, the effects of their early harm cannot be easily remedied.
Yes, there is a lot wrong with our underfunded care system. But family interventions need to start much earlier if they are to be effective.
Sylvia Rose
Totnes, Devon
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