As the new Labour government begins work, young people say they want to see the current system overhauled “so every child has the love, care and stability they need” with a focus on tackling multiple placement moves “often without warning”.
Ensuring siblings are not separated when taken into care should be another priority of reform, the letter states.
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Children’s charities on issues the next government must prioritise
Putting children “at the heart of the care system” is another recommendation.
“That means listening before, during and after making decisions about reform and ensuring young people have ways to hold decision makers to account,” states their letter.
The letter and video have been organised and produced by care charity Become, which says the Labour government and other political leaders need "to take bold action and deliver a fair deal” to care experienced young people.
Better support for young people as they become adults is also needed, adds the letter, which warns of a “cliff edge” care-experienced young people face as they make the transition from children’s to adult services.
“Care-experienced young people should be supported to start adult life in good accommodation, without debt and with the skills to sustain this, and have the same opportunities to fulfil their aspirations in higher education or employment as non-care experienced young people,” states the letter.
Improved support should be across public services, including health, education and transport. Their letter calls for a wide range of professionals “to take a trauma informed, compassionate and pro-active approach” when supporting care experienced young people.
One of the care-experienced young people supporting the letter added: “Would this be appropriate for my child?” should be the litmus test. It’s about making decisions in our best interests.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pledged to prioritise reforming children's social care as she laid out plans for the role.
