Coram has welcomed government plans announced today (4th June) to make enduring relationships the top priority for the care and leaving care system in England, believing these show a real commitment to refocus on family finding programmes, one of the important areas that children and young people themselves say make their lives good.
Care experienced children and young people have continuously said that trusted and supportive relationships are essential to them. The Coram Institute for Children’s From Surviving to Thriving report, that has informed DfE’s plans, showed that trusting and supportive relationships are key drivers of well-being for children in care and care leaver. The report analysed the views of thousands of children in care and care leavers shared through the Coram Voice’s Bright Spots programme.
Dame Carol Homden, Coram CEO, said: “Coram has long argued that when developing policy and practice in the care system, the key question should be – will children in care and care leavers feel that their lives got better as a result? Care should prioritise what is important to children and young people themselves.”
Linda Briheim, Head of Policy, Coram Voice, said: “Children and young people tell us that what matters to them is having adults that they can trust, who stick by them, are there when they need them, believe in them and make sure they feel seen and heard, including trusted carers, social workers and leaving care personal advisers. They also stress how important relationships with other young people including friends and siblings are to them. The Government’s announcement recognises many of these issues – and we particularly welcome the commitments to prioritising relationships with brothers and sisters, make National Minimum Standards for fostering focused on trusting relationships.
“This plan is the first step in the right direction – identifying that we need to make enduring relationships a priority. To make it a reality will take active work from the people around the child to make sure relationships are built and maintained. They will need to focus on their own relationships with the child – finding the time to talk to them about the things that are important to them and not only listen but acting on what they say they need.”
Coram Voice’s full response to the policy paper can be read here.