|
In June 2007, the government published the Care Matters: Time for Change white paper which aims to improve the experience of young people in care and bridge the gap between them and their peers. There is also a young people's version which you can download.
The white paper was the result of a nine-month consultation period between the government, voluntary organisations and young people themselves on how the lives and outcomes of young people in care could be improved. The Care Leavers Association (CLA) took part in this process and you can read our response here.
The CLA welcomes Care Matters as an opportunity to make much needed improvements to the the current care system and to raise awareness of the needs of young people in care and care leavers. However, there are areas where we believe support should go further. For example: support for care leavers should extend beyond 18, or even 21; young people should be able to stay live with their foster carers until their mid-twenties if they want to and National Leaving Care Accommodation Standards should be introduced and enforced and the 'relevant' child category should be removed so that young people do not leave care before the age of 18.
The Children & Young Person's Bill, which is an outcome of the 2007 White Paper is currently being discussed in the House of Lords.
On 14th February 2008, the CLA submitted it's view on the Bill and areas where it might be amended in a letter to the Lords.
In November 2008, Care Matters became legislation, with the Children and Young Person's Act.
Why not tell us what you think? Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
