How long must black bin liners symbolise how we treat children and young people in care?
As we launch into the new year and ask what needs to change in care the following post from Carolyn Barber seems very appropriate. “This Q & A session between Ed Balls and a panel of looked after young people at the Care Matters conference last November seemed to me to be raising the exact same issues I have come across in consultation exercises 5 and even 15 years ago. Isn’t it high time we stopped ‘listening’ and started ‘doing’?” Watch the discussion with Ed Balls and young people in care here
Like Carolyn I was appalled to learn that this was still an issue for young people in care. Just in case anyone is in doubt about what should be provided for young people in care it is worth reading the London Pledge for Children and Young People in Care. The Pledge aims to ensure that children and young people in care across London have equal access to the same range of key services and support wherever they live, go to school or access employment or training opportunities in London. The London Pledge is a commitment from all Children’s Trusts and their partners to all children and young people in care and leaving care.
On a very basic level with so many different people involved with a young person in the care system who should be responsible for ensuring that a rucksack or a suitcase is provided rather than a black bin liner?
Do we need to name and shame those authorities that still think this is an acceptable practice? Join in the debate at the Network for Professionals working with Children and Young People in Care. Access the group here
Read more about Carolyn Barber www.wayfinderassociates.co.uk
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