One in four care leavers 'face a bleak future', says Care Leaver's Foundation

26 October 2009

The Care Leavers' Foundation today calls for more to be done to tackle the rising number of care leavers who are not in education, employment or training (neets).

Government statistics released this month show that 26 per cent of 19-year-olds who were in care at the age of 16 are now "neets". This is a rise of 3 per cent in the past year. The same set of figures reveal that just 7 per cent of children in care achieve at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C. This figure has not improved over the last few years. In addition, 38 per cent of looked after children still leave care before their 18th birthday. 21 per cent are just 16.

At the start of Care Leavers' Week (26 October – 1st November), the charity says that nearly ten years after the Children Leaving Care Act 2000, improvements have been made. The number of young people remaining in care until they are 18 is rising and local authorities are more likely to stay in touch with care leavers. In addition, the new Act (Children and Young Person's Act 2008) has introduced statutory bursaries for care leavers entering higher education. However, care leavers are still far more likely than other young people to be homeless, in prison, unemployed or have mental health problems. And the charity fears that care leavers may suffer more than other young people in the current economic climate.

Janet Rich, spokesperson for the Care Leavers' Foundation, says: "There is now a real recognition in Government that young people have been pushed out of care too soon and an aspiration to address this. However, many local authorities would say this has not been matched by the necessary resources."

She adds: "This is still a highly vulnerable group – not only do they have to move to independence much earlier than other young people, but they are also less likely to have the qualifications and skills they need to succeed. Care leavers not in education, employment or training face a bleak future. Now more than ever, we must ensure they have the economic and emotional support they need to achieve their potential."

Matthew Huggins left care at sixteen. He developed drink, drug and mental health problems in his adult life. But his story, unlike many others, is one of success. He is now managing director of the Care Matters Partnership, a successful company advising councils how to improve the lives of children in care.

He says: "I know how tough it is to leave care with no qualifications and little support. Improvements to the system have made a difference, but care leavers today still face emotional isolation and difficulties 'finding their place' in the adult world. It is no wonder so many end up dropping out of society. I am one of the lucky ones, but it has taken me many years to turn my life around.

"We all have a special responsibility for the children who we want the state to bring up on our behalf. They have a huge range of talents and strengths, as well as barriers to overcome. We must embrace these children, not stigmatise them, as is often the case. This culture shift cannot be achieved by legislation and policy alone, nor by one charity awareness week in the autumn of every year. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try."

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