A system meant to safeguard vulnerable young people is failing at its core.
The outcomes for children who have grown up in care are alarming. The welfare state's failure to provide adequate support has led to shocking disparities in health, education, and employment. Care leavers face a daunting prospect - with a 62% higher chance of dying before the age of 75 compared to their peers, they are four times more likely to have a criminal conviction or caution. Despite a decrease in the number of children in care, the latest figure still stands at 17.7% higher than a decade ago.
The recent reforms, including free prescriptions for care leavers up until the age of 25, may seem like a step in the right direction, but they do not solve all of the problems. Many councils are facing dire financial positions and depleted local services, which disproportionately affect those who rely on the state. The shortage of foster carers is another pressing issue.
The changes discussed will have no impact on Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where a further 23,230 children are in care. This highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the deeply entrenched shortcomings in public services.
However, it's essential to welcome these new measures as they aim to make treatment more accessible to young adults. The removal of charges should enable care leavers to receive necessary care without added financial burden. Moreover, it acknowledges the state's ongoing responsibility towards young people who have experienced hardship at a young age.
The lack of post-18 support for care leavers places them at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers. This is one reason why only about 14% manage to access higher education. England could learn from Scotland's approach, where bursaries have increased the number of care leavers going to university.
For the new children's minister, Josh MacAlister, this presents an opportunity to push for further changes and rebalance the children's social care sector towards public and non-profit provision. It's crucial that he ensures young care leavers are aware of their new entitlements and builds on the support already provided in recent years.
The outcomes for children who have grown up in care are alarming. The welfare state's failure to provide adequate support has led to shocking disparities in health, education, and employment. Care leavers face a daunting prospect - with a 62% higher chance of dying before the age of 75 compared to their peers, they are four times more likely to have a criminal conviction or caution. Despite a decrease in the number of children in care, the latest figure still stands at 17.7% higher than a decade ago.
The recent reforms, including free prescriptions for care leavers up until the age of 25, may seem like a step in the right direction, but they do not solve all of the problems. Many councils are facing dire financial positions and depleted local services, which disproportionately affect those who rely on the state. The shortage of foster carers is another pressing issue.
The changes discussed will have no impact on Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where a further 23,230 children are in care. This highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the deeply entrenched shortcomings in public services.
However, it's essential to welcome these new measures as they aim to make treatment more accessible to young adults. The removal of charges should enable care leavers to receive necessary care without added financial burden. Moreover, it acknowledges the state's ongoing responsibility towards young people who have experienced hardship at a young age.
The lack of post-18 support for care leavers places them at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers. This is one reason why only about 14% manage to access higher education. England could learn from Scotland's approach, where bursaries have increased the number of care leavers going to university.
For the new children's minister, Josh MacAlister, this presents an opportunity to push for further changes and rebalance the children's social care sector towards public and non-profit provision. It's crucial that he ensures young care leavers are aware of their new entitlements and builds on the support already provided in recent years.
Can't believe the state is still failing these kids after all these years... 62% higher chance of dying before 75?! That's just heartbreaking. And to think they're 4 times more likely to end up in prison 
. It's not like we don't know how to help them, but the system just isn't getting it right. Free prescriptions are a good start I guess, but it's not enough. Foster carers are still scarce and local services are crumbling. We need real solutions here, not just band-aid fixes 
.
. Scotland's approach with bursaries could be a game-changer here. We need to learn from each other and get it together for these kids' sake 
.
. Its not fair that some councils are struggling financially and thats affecting those who rely on them. We should be supporting these kids more rather than just giving them a few extra perks 
a 62% higher chance of dying before 75 is just heartbreaking. i think the free prescriptions thing is a good start but we need more comprehensive solutions to address the shortages and financial issues in councils. it's not fair that some areas are being left behind 
i think we need to come together as a society to support these kids instead of leaving them to fend for themselves. the government is already doing some things right, like free prescriptions, but we need to do so much more 
like increasing bursaries in scotland they're clearly making it work there and it's time we learn from them 
not just a Band-Aid on a broken system. we need more foster carers, better support for post-18 education, and a way to level the playing field for care leavers 
.
. We need tangible support, resources, and services that can actually help these kids thrive.
Like, seriously, Josh MacAlister needs to take a page out of their book and make some real changes 
.
.
, like those bursaries that are helping more care leavers get an education. We could learn a thing or two from them.
.
.
. and yeah, free prescriptions up until 25 is a good step, but we need more comprehensive solutions that address the bigger issues like foster carer shortages and dire financial positions in councils 
.
. We need more people willing to open their homes and hearts to these kids, not less. It's just common sense 
.
. At least they're acknowledging that young adults still need support after the system kicks them out 
. And removing charges for care leavers getting treatment shows they care about their well-being, even if it's just a small step in the right direction 
.
, gives 'em a break from worrying about cash while they're trying to figure out their lives.
but at least the new measures are a start, like free prescriptions up until 25, that's something. and i love that scotland is trying to do things differently, their approach with bursaries is so inspiring!