24 Jun 24
A National Voice (ANV) is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary today, marking a quarter of a century of care-experienced children and young people working to improve the care system in England.
ANV was officially launched as the National Children in Care Council for England at the House of Commons on 24 June 1999, by Lord Hunt, the then Undersecretary of State for Health. It grew out of the vital work of the National Association of Young People in Care, the first national organisation to be run for and by young people in care.
Speaking at the launch, the Undersecretary of State for Health said, “A National Voice exists as a care-experienced, young person-led organization to make a positive change for children and young people in and leaving care.”
ANV’s initial mission was to gather young people’s views on the government’s consultative proposal ‘Me, Survive Out There?’ which aimed to reform the law for young people leaving care post-16. This process culminated in a national conference attended by over one hundred care experienced young people, highlighting critical issues such as:
- Premature exit from care: “Local authorities should not pressure, or quietly encourage, young people to leave at 16, getting them off the books to free up places.”
- Systemic Support: ANV advocated for “a system that conveys hope, ambition, and confidence in [young people]; budget limitations should not limit [young people’s] choices and opportunities, including support for further and higher education or getting a job; better, nationally consistent financial support.”
- Stable Placements: ANV addressed the issue of young people “being moved from place to place” and not being able to put roots down. Young people also wanted “suitcases not black bags” to move. They were also very angry that ‘sleepovers’ at their friends’ homes were subject to police checks, especially when their school friends who were not in care didn’t have to go through this process.
These issues were written up in a report which were then sent to Government for consultation.
ANV became part of Coram Voice in 2017 and has continued to work to shape policy that impacts the lives of care-experienced children and young. This year ANV launched The Grand Campaign, looking into inequities in Care Leaver’s Grants across the UK.
Brigid Robinson MBE, Managing Director, Coram Voice says, “To improve the care system it is vital that we listen to and act on what care-experienced children and young people tell us. A National Voice provides a clear way to do this, both at a local and national level, and Coram Voice are honoured to host them.”
As we celebrate this 25-year journey, we remain dedicated to empowering the voices of children and young people in care, providing them with the skills and support to make real change, now and in the future.