Ahead of the announcement by the DfE regarding the long-awaited care system review.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:
“Barnardo’s has long called for a bold and radical review of the care system. While the system currently works for many, it often fails the most vulnerable children. Sadly we also know that young people leaving care are less likely to be in education, employment and training, and more likely to experience poverty, homelessness and poor mental health.
“In 2021 this just isn’t good enough. As a ‘corporate parent’, the state must expect the same outcomes for children in care as we would demand for our own children.
“To achieve this we need a root and branch review that looks at the whole system. It should include both entry into care and how we look after children, regardless of whether they are in foster care, residential care, looked after by relatives or placed for adoption. It should also explore how to support young people after they leave care.
“Government needs to create a care experience built around children and young people rather than institutions or professionals. All children in care should feel safe and be loved, respected and nurtured to reach their full potential.
“The review must place those who have experienced care at its heart, including young people who are often unheard. It must also include organisations and professionals – like Barnardo’s – with decades of experience supporting children in the care system.
“And, most importantly, to be effective the review must come with a commitment to act on the recommendations in a timely way. This must include additional long-term investment directly from the Treasury to ensure we can deliver a care system fit to for the 21st century.”