Care leavers slam £200m care plan for kids after review says billions are needed

11 February 2023 , 20:05

1033     0

Isabelle Kirkham, who went into care at nine-years-old, said a lack of stability can often push young people over the edge (Image: Dilantha Dissanayake)

Young people brought up in care have slammed the Tories’ bid to fix the broken system.

The £200million Children’s Social Care Strategy, announced last week, came after an independent review called for a £2.6bn investment.

And people who grew up being looked after in children’s homes or by foster parents say it also falls short at solving the key problems being faced by kids.

Some have to move miles away from their families and friends. And many teenagers can often be forced to move out of care and live independently as young as 16.

Matt Dalton, 26, who entered foster care just before his 16th birthday branded the Tory plan “outrageous”.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

The Brighton-based forensics worker added: “I was urged to start thinking about moving out of care weeks after I turned 16 .

The care-experienced youngsters slammed the government’s new care strategy (Dilantha Dissanayake)

“As a young person who had been exposed to significant trauma, it was terrifying. I’d only just begun to feel safe.”

More than 82,000 children now live in care – up from 69,000 in 2015. And more than half of those in the system get a criminal conviction by the age of 24.

Isabelle Kirkham, 26, of Southampton, who was in foster care, told us a lack of stability can often push young people over the edge.

She said: “My brother had to move over 20 times. It massively impacted his mental health and led to a spell in prison.

"I’m deeply concerned about the future for children in the system.”

Zara Clench, who also grew up in the system, called for the stigma around care to be tackled.

Zara Clench also criticised the Tories' approach

The 22-year-old, from Sunderland, said: “Young people in care experience discrimination.

"The Government has done nothing to change that.”

Katharine Sacks-Jones, CEO of care-leavers charity Become, said the plan falls “far, far short”.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

She added: “The Government sets out a great vision for bringing love and stability into the care system, but sadly the steps it sets out will never make this a reality.”

“The truth is the system is overwhelmed. And that means children are not getting the love, support and stability they need.”

The Department for Education said it makes the move from care “as smooth as possible” and its new strategy includes “a range of support including increasing the leaving care allowance from £2,000 to £3,000.”

Becomecharity.org.uk is the national charity for children in care and young people leaving care. If you are care-experienced and would like support, or would like to make a donation, please visit the website or call 0800 023 2033

Saskia Rowlands