Be Inspired! Shirley Ayres Consulting

The very topical theme being explored at the Child Care History Network Autumn Conference 2010 to be held on November 11th 2010 in Gloucestershire.

Speakers include: Gudrun Limbrick of the Birmingham Children’s Homes project, Jim Goddard from the Care Leavers Association and the University of Bradford, Simon Hammond from the University of East Anglia, Craig Fees from the Planned Environment Therapy Trust, and Charles Sharpe from goodenoughcaring.

What online communication networks and tools are available for children, child care professionals, and former children in care to record and share their experiences? What is being used? What is on the horizon?

Can we, should we, and how can we, embrace the new forms of communication? What is gained if we do? What experiences and insights may be lost if we don’t?

Can these new media and technologies be a help for children, child care professionals, historians and archivists in remembering, recording, gathering and archiving child care experience and history – and if so, how?

Or, is there a healthy resistance among child care professionals, former children in care and others to embrace these new forms of communication, which should be listened to? In a world of accelerating dependence on online communication and record keeping, what choices do we really have?

What can we learn from projects and organisations which are already engaging with the new media, such as the Birmingham Children’s Homes oral history project, the Care Leavers’ Association, or the “Therapeutic Living With Other People’s Children” project? How can and how will the history, experience and practice of child care be impacted by the new online social networks and tools? What are the challenges? What are the opportunities?

Download the conference details

Find out more about the Child Care History Network  

Tags: Child Care History Network, children in care, social media

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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

Tags: children in care, DCSF, looked after children

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How do we make integrated working in children’s services a reality? This is particularly important for children in care who require a whole systems approach for their health and well being. Their special needs are are at the interface of social care, education, health, youth support, housing and leisure activities. 

We have been looking for a way to connect professionals across the children’s workforce to network and collaborate, share resources and information and promote good practice. The new group offers the opportunity to discuss evolving practice and to exchange thoughts and ideas which promote the health and well being of children and young people in the care system. Join our group  if you would like to share information about policy initiatives, interesting reports, practice guidance, research and events.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about the policies and practice which are really making a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

Tags: children in care, encouraging innovation, integrated working, linkedin, looked after children, sharing best practice in children's services

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