Children in the Care System

According to a recent study published by Anne Longfield (the Children’s Commissioner for England), many children in the care system are receiving consistent, safe and stable care which is extremely positive and encouraging to hear.

However, there are sadly also many children, (almost 2,400) who are receiving less positive experiences of the care system having to contemplate and endure drastic changes to their life for example, changes to where they live, changing schools and numerous changes of Social Worker. The report suggests that this hugely affects a child’s emotional and physical well-being.

The report also shows how disruptive changing schools can be for children and young people - around 4,300 children in care moved schools in the middle of the school year and on average the distance from their home to their new school was 24 miles. The report further suggests that children entering the care system from the age of 12 to 15 are at most risk of instability and require extra support in most aspects of their life.

Commenting on the report, Anne Longfield has said:

"Every day I hear from 'pinball kids' who are being pinged around the care system when all they really want is to be settled and to get on with normal life. These children need stability, yet far too many are living unstable lives, in particular children entering care in their early teens. This puts them at greater risk of falling through the gaps in the education system and opens them up to exploitation by gangs or to abuse...the care system does work for many thousands of children but our ambition should be for every child growing up in care to have the same chances to live happy, healthy and rewarding lives as any other child. We put that at risk if we are expecting some children to constantly change school and home."

To access the report please follow this link:  https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/stability-index-2018/

If you would like to discuss the issues raised in this article and/or would like advice and assistance on a Care related matter please contact our Care Team at Emery Johnson Astills on 0116 255 4855.