A new framework for children in care would ensure local authorities are held to account for failings in the system, according to an alliance of children’s charities.
The Alliance for Children in Care and Care Leavers is calling for reforms to the care system to help children and young people recover from past abuse and neglect.
It also wants a statement in law defining the principal aim of the care system for children who spend a significant time in care. This should include ‘promoting psychological healing from past harm, building resilience and achieving wellbeing’.
‘Despite the collective efforts of national and local government, the focus on the best outcomes for children has been lost,’ said Emma Smale, head of policy and research at Action and co-director of the Alliance.
‘The impact of traumatic experiences like severe neglect and family breakdown is enduring. Yet too many young people say that the reasons they come into care are not addressed. It is time to renew our efforts for children in care and care leavers.’
The new vision outlined by the Alliance also calls for:
• Greater support and training for primary carers and key workers in children’s homes
• Mechanisms for assessing the quality of care from the child’s perspective - and accountability when a placement doesn’t work for them.
• Measurement of children’s wellbeing and progress throughout their care experience
