Rebecca’s report from Conference where she took part in a debate in conjunction with Children and Families Minister, Ed Timpson, held by Barnardos. 

For many reasons thousands of young children are taken under the wing of the care system often having had difficult and  traumatic childhoods, some being subjected to abuse or neglect. Over 6000 young people leave the care system every year, aged 16 – 18 and suddenly they find themselves having to embark on crucial stages of their life, for example finding a home, starting a job or going  on to study without the support of a family.  

‘These children are being abandoned at a vulnerable stage in their lives. Sadly around a quarter of those living on the street have a background of care and around a fifth of the adult prison population have spent some time in care and  a third of 19 year olds who were looked after are now neither in education or training.  These are stark statistics and something must be done to help these young people to go out into the world better supported and prepared.’

Children and Families Minister, Ed Timpson is acutely aware of the problems as he highlighted at the Barnardo’s event which was also held in conjunction with TACT, the Fostering Network and the Care Leavers’ Association:

‘£3billion is spent annually on children in care. I think this money could be better spent.  Getting in earlier is very important.  If the ground work is done earlier many of the problems of adulthood can be addressed earlier. Mentoring leavers could help, or allocating them personal advisors and advising on job opportunities and what entitlements they are eligible for. Care leavers are also a cost to society, by looking after them better the costs can be reduced.  It’s a priority across the board to tie all departments in to this agenda. We need to be the people who help put it right.’

Many of these issues were highlighted recently during Rebecca’s visit to the Taunton Association for the Homeless.

‘I can see the importance of getting business to get involved in taking on care leavers as apprentices and incentivising groups working in care. As someone with children myself I can appreciate that we should not just leave young people with no support and back up once they leave our ‘system.’ As a parent I understand the constant backup children still  require to equip them for the world as they grow older.’

It is hoped that some amendments will be made to the Children and Families Bill to incorporate some of these ideas.