Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Survey
As you may be aware the Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Forum recently carried out a survey amongst their peers, to identify what they felt were the most important issues affecting them.
In the autumn of 2017 the Children in Care Council (Make A Difference) and Care Leavers Forum (Our Say, Our Way) were both keen to identify an issue affecting their peers and then work towards improving the situation by working with decision makers.
Whilst there has been a huge amount of national research into the issues affecting children looked after and care leavers, we wanted to enhance our knowledge and understanding locally of what mattered most to our children.
Results
The top three issues were as follows:
8-11 year olds
I would like to understand more about my past
Contact with my family
I would like more opportunities to make friends
12-17 year olds
Contact with my family
Help finding a home when I am older
Not being allowed to have sleepovers – at own or other people’s homes
Care Leavers
Offer incentives to those who achieve goals
Raise the Leaving Care Grant / relax restrictions
More support to find work
Whilst the aim of the survey was to highlight areas for improvements there are also positives that can be drawn from options that weren’t selected by any respondents. Findings suggest that the younger age group feel settled, whilst the 12-17 year age group feel safe and have access to a computer to complete homework.
Kind Regards
Darren Foley
Participation Officer - Looked After & Care Leavers
Children's Services
3-5 St James Rd
Dudley DY1 1HP
01384 815172
