This report argues that much more needs to be done to ensure that the care system provides the best possible start in life for some of the most vulnerable children in our society. It argues that: long-term outcomes for children in care are poor; performance across local authorities is mixed; pressures on the system are growing; and that, in the current fiscal climate, spending significantly more money is not an option. This situation requires significant reforms and ambitious goals in order to ensure improved care and better outcomes for these extremely vulnerable young people.
Care in crisis
On 31 March 2011 approximately 65,000, or one in every 170 children in England were looked after by the state. The poor long-term outcomes achieved by children in care are well documented and have been highlighted in Policy Exchange’s previous reports on this issue.1 Young people who have been in care are 50 times more likely to end up in prison, seven times more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol and 60 times more likely to be homeless than their peers. Further research shows us that::
- One third of all care leavers are thought to live on the streets, (80% of all Big Issue sellers were in care);
- Nearly a third of the prison population have spent some time in care;
- Half of all sex workers have been in care;
- Care leavers are four to five times more likely to commit suicide in adulthood;
- Over half of all care leavers suffer from depression.
We should not assume that this is a result of the system of care or the people who work within it. Children who enter the care system do so because something has gone wrong in their lives and it must be expected that this will be reflected in their outcomes. The people we rely on to support these young people also perform one of the country’s hardest, most necessary and, too often, thankless tasks. However, we need to do more to close the outcome gaps between these uniquely vulnerable children and their peers.
Published : 31st December 2012
Publisher : Policy Exchange [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : Policy Exchange
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