This story of sibling separation from Ashley John-Baptiste in this BBC documentary article is not unusual. As a social worker I once identified a sister who shared the same mother for twins who had been in our care for years. The importance of properly researching genograms (family trees) and chronologies, really understanding peoples lives by getting to know them and their wider families in depth, gives insight to support identity formation, belonging, a sense of place, an understanding of our own story. These are important links in the lives of our young people and require our investment at an early [...]

A summary of recent research reports and articles affecting the residential sector. This month we include a variety of links and articles on subjects such as: Top tips on applying to register a children's home, Ofsted's response to the Case for Change, TACT's report and suggestion for a new national care service, NICE guidance- Diversity , research on leaving care programmes, the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on mental health and a High Court Judge's ruling on unregulated provision. Welcome Thank you for your interest in our bulletin for anyone working with children in residential [...]

diversity Within the current draft NICE guidance for ‘Looked after young people’, on the subject of diversity the guidance gives only one recommendation: ‘Ensure that looked-after children and young people from groups that have particular needs are not marginalised and that their needs are adequately met. These groups include those from black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, as well as other groups such as refugees and, asylum seekers and those who identify as LGBTQ+.’ [1](1.1.1) Within the consideration of ‘how the recommendation might affect practice’ the guidance simply states the following: ‘This [...]

high court judge authorises unregulated placement for 15 year old girl With the ban on unregulated placements coming into force this month, a high court ruling has made the changing landscape even more confusing. High Court Judge, Mrs Justice Knowles, authorised an unregulated placement for a 15 year old girl who was experiencing significant ''psychological and emotional distress'' who was being supported in a side room of an adult mental health ward for her own safety. In the ruling the judge stated that: ''although arrangements for her care in the community have been made which I am persuaded to authorise, [...]

''Young people who ‘age-out’ of out-of-home care face increased risks of poor outcomes, including homelessness, unemployment and substance abuse'' Around 10,000 young people in England age out of the care system every year on their 18th birthday. With care leavers making up 25% of the homeless population. Almost 25% of the adult prison population have previously been in care, and nearly 50% of under 21 year olds in contact with the criminal justice system had spent time in care. 39% of care leavers aged 19-21 years were known not be in education, employment or training (NEET), compared to around [...]