Coronavirus advice for looked-after children and care leavers

Its worrying for all of us and particularly so for those who might already feel anxious or be isolated like care-experienced young people.

'Please know that we are here for you' - a message from our ceo @KatharineSJ #care #COVID2019 #youarenotalone pic.twitter.com/jEwVEwlhsR

— Become (@Become1992) March 17, 2020

As the national charity for children in care and young care leavers, we need to ensure that young people know we are as here for them as much as we’ve ever been. Many are already facing significant challenges around housing or mental health or might struggle with feelings of loneliness which are likely to be exacerbated by the current situation. For children in care, school might be the one place that gives them stability and a sense of belonging, but the threat of possible closures risks taking that away.

The Become staff team is working at home to ensure we are all kept safe and well, but we are as present as ever with each other and the young people we work with. The Care Advice Line will continue to operate as usual and our coaching is being delivered online. In addition, we have created a new webpage - with some advice for care-experienced young people around Coronavirus, including some FAQs on how it might impact the care and support they receive. 

We hope professionals working with children in care and care leavers will share our services and advice with the young people they’re supporting. The webpage will continue to be updated as further guidance comes through from the government and elsewhere, and we will also be sharing weekly videos on social media. We are taking it day by day as many are, but the one thing we do not want is for any care-experienced young person to feel alone. We’re here for them.

For more advice from Become, click here.

Katharine Sacks-Jones is chief executive of Become, the national charity for children in care and young care leavers