National Care Leavers Week, with the poignant theme “All of Us, We are One,” recently concluded. While the week aimed to celebrate the resilience and achievements of care-experienced young people through events across the country, a sobering reality was laid bare by the “In Their Own Words” reports published by the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum at Catch22. These reports, authored by care-experienced young people themselves, paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by those transitioning out of the care system.
Based on a survey of over 200 care-experienced individuals across the UK, the reports highlight a range of critical issues:
- Food Insecurity: A staggering 77% of respondents reported struggling to afford food at least some of the time, a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations many care leavers face.
- Inadequate Mental Health Support: 62% of those surveyed found it difficult to access the mental health support they desperately needed, a critical concern given the high rates of mental health challenges within this population.
- Barriers to Neurodiversity Support: While 31% had a formal diagnosis, a further 35% believed they were neurodivergent, yet many reported significant difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis or accessing appropriate support.
- Support Cliff After 21: A significant majority of care-experienced individuals were unaware of the support available to them after the age of 21, leaving many feeling abandoned and unsupported as they navigate adulthood.
- Obstacles to Accessing Essential Services: Mental health challenges and transportation issues were identified as major barriers to accessing community services and support, further isolating and marginalising care leavers.
These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the care system. The reports, however, are not merely a litany of woes. They are a powerful testament to the voices and experiences of care-experienced young people, who played a central role in their creation.
The Young People’s Benchmarking Forum, a core component of the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum, actively involved young people in every stage of the research process. They:
- Shaped the research agenda: Choosing the five priority areas for investigation.
- Designed and conducted the survey: Ensuring the questions accurately reflected their lived experiences.
- Analysed the data: Identifying key findings and formulating actionable recommendations.
- Disseminated the findings: Sharing their insights with policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public through presentations, events, and publications.
The reports offer a wealth of valuable insights and recommendations for improving support for care leavers. Key recommendations include:
- Addressing the cost of living: Providing financial support with essential living costs, including food, housing, and transportation.
- Improving access to mental health support: Expanding access to affordable and culturally competent mental health services.
- Supporting neurodiversity: Ensuring appropriate assessments, support services, and accommodations for neurodivergent care leavers.
- Extending support beyond 21: Providing ongoing support and guidance for care leavers beyond the age of 21, recognising their unique and ongoing needs.
- Creating inclusive and accessible communities: Addressing barriers to community participation, such as transportation costs and the cost of activities.
The “In Their Own Words” reports serve as a powerful wake-up call, demanding a re-evaluation of how we support care leavers as they transition to adulthood. By amplifying the voices of care-experienced young people and implementing their recommendations, we can work towards a future where all care leavers have the opportunity to thrive.
Source: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/national-care-leavers-week-in-their-own-words/