Articles
Daniel Lavelle’s moving account of his life in care reflects the failure of services to address three fundamental issues which blight the adult lives of too many care leavers (What happened to the friends I made in care, G2, 23 May). First, too many young people move about the care system – a third of those leaving care aged 16-plus have had between five and 10 placements – often resulting in mental health problems. Second, very few young people do well at school and in their GCSEs – only about 7% go on to university – contributing to high levels of unemployment; and third, young people leave care at a younger age than other young people leave home – half of 20- to 24-year-olds in the UK are living with a parent, whereas most young people leave care between 16 and 18. Paradoxically, although since 1997 successive governments have strengthened the law and policies to support care leavers, these measures have resulted in little change in outcomes. This will only change if leaving care services can build on a foundation of stability, help with education and mental health problems, and gradual transitions to adulthood – as most other young people living with their families can expect.
Prof Mike Stein
University of York
• Daniel Lavelle’s article draws attention to the need for continued support post-18 to give care leavers the best start in life. Having worked as a residential social care worker and a registered residential manager for the Together Trust, I know all too well how important it is to offer support, guidance and, as Ian Dickinson says, to have belief in our looked-after children. This will equip them with the skills and confidence to fulfil their own potential. For the people in the article, this support had not always been there.
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