Recovery through therapy must be care system's goal

The report highlighted the important issue of leaving care and the needs of many young people to stay in care longer or receive longer-term support when they leave care. But one of its most important recommendations is for a greater emphasis on the support children receive to help them understand their past trauma and loss, and to build their resilience and confidence for the future. In short, the help we offer children in care to recover.

It suggests the care system works for the majority of children who experience it. Most said they were living in the right place for them, meaning they were treated with respect, listened to, loved and felt part of a family. Nearly half often felt good about the future – in particular, those with good relationships and in stable placements. Just over half were positive about placement moves, and over half of those who responded to the question about leaving care had left at the right time.