Dear Josh,
We heard the news about enduring relationships, and we think it’s a real step in the right direction. But we’re writing because there’s more to do, and we want to be part of making it happen.
We are A National Voice, the national children in care council for England. Last year, over 325 care-experienced children and young people from 45 local authorities told you what they need. Our top three priorities were mental health support, being listened to in decisions about our lives, and building good relationships. We turned those priorities into detailed recommendations in our Messages to the Minister briefing papers.
We want to know how they’re shaping your plans.
On relationships, we welcome what you’ve announced, and we’re asking you to go further. On relationships, we welcome what you’ve announced, and we’re asking you to focus on what is important to us. Stop placing us far from home unless there’s absolutely no other option. When moves have to happen, make sure there’s a real plan to keep our relationships alive. Let us stay in touch with foster carers and key workers after we leave care and keep Independent Visitor support going past 18. And please, address social worker turnover. We shouldn’t have to keep rebuilding trust from scratch every time someone new walks through the door.
“I have been so lucky to have previous workers stay in my life as mentors. One of them was an old allocated social worker who stayed, supported me and gave me stability. I couldn’t imagine my life without her now. Most mentors I have now are my family. Blood doesn’t make you family.” (Megan, ANV Ambassador)
On mental health, the announcement is largely silent, and that needs to change. This was our number one priority. Make mental health support automatic when a young person enters care. Keep it going until we’re 25. Stop making us wait until we reach crisis point before anyone steps in. Build it around consistent relationships, not a revolving door of professionals we have to tell our whole story to again and again.
“I think it would help create stability for more young people. Sometimes help can come too late. If support is organised beforehand, young people are set up to succeed and excel in all aspects of life.” (Megan, ANV Ambassador)
On being listened to, listening isn’t enough on its own. We want to co-create the solutions, not just comment on them. That means having us in the room when decisions are made, at every level. And when you’re building the measures to track whether this plan is working, work with us on that too. We’re the ones who know whether our lives are actually getting better.
“Being listened to doesn’t depend on age. If decisions are being made about me and my life, I should be a part of that. I am now an adult unsure of how to navigate my own life correctly because decisions have always been made on my behalf.” (Chloe, ANV Ambassador)
Care experienced children and young people shouldn’t just be consulted after decisions have been made. We should be trusted as partners in shaping the policies and services that affect our lives.
We’d like to meet with you, Minister, to share our recommendations directly and discuss how we can work together to create lasting change for care experienced children and young people. As plans develop across these priorities, we’d like A National Voice to play an active role in shaping them and bringing the voices of care experienced young people to the table.
Please get in touch at ANV@coramvoice.org.uk. We’re ready when you are.
A National Voice, The National Children in Care Council for England