CYP Now - Analysis: Deja vu for looked-after children

The government's latest figures on how well children in care are doing show precious little sign of things having improved. Joe Lepper examines the figures and asks why, despite various initiatives, so little progress is actually taking place.

The latest Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) statistics on the outcomes for looked-after children tell a familiar story.

The figures show little or no improve- ment in their chances of gaining a good job, avoiding prison and achieving at school compared with those not in care. Looked-after children are still twice as likely to have a caution or conviction, five per cent have a drug problem and just two thirds remain in full-time education after 16, compared with four fifths of all children.

Shockingly, the figures, which are only for England, also suggest the situation may be getting worse. While those in care gaining at least five A* to C grade GCSEs rose by two per cent between 2005 and 2007, this compares with a five per cent rise for all children during the same period (CYP Now, 30 April-6 May).

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included