60 likes | 192 Views
The Statement of Commitment – Making It Happen. Chloe Cockett, Policy and Research Advisor 13 th June 2014. Why are we here?. Who Cares? magazine started in 1985, The Who Cares? Trust established in 1992 to act as a voice and champion for children in care.
E N D
The Statement of Commitment – Making It Happen Chloe Cockett, Policy and Research Advisor 13th June 2014
Why are we here? • Who Cares? magazine started in 1985, The Who Cares? Trust established in 1992 to act as a voice and champion for children in care. • We publish information, work with young people, run projects and campaign for change in the care system. • 40% of the children in care and care leavers that we asked said that they wanted to go on to university.
Aspirations ‘Looked after children that I have worked with tend not to have any aspirations for the future. Many of them are disengaged with education and have no interest in it. They are focussed on their current situation and often have many issues to deal with that, for them, have priority over education.’ [Education outreach consultant for looked after children] “The system makes a mockery of the term 'corporate parenting'. Would we treat our own kids the way looked-after children are treated by the system at times?” [LACES Outreach Worker] “The education system has let these children down badly before they even enter the care system and the care system then takes the blame” [Social worker]
How can The Who Cares? Trust help • Information • Magazines and publications - guides on education for social workers and foster carers • Who Cares? Town • The H.E. Handbook • Commitment to an edition for 2016/17 • Short guide to national changes • Pilot Scottish FE Handbook
How can The Who Cares? Trust help • Sharing best practice & lobbying • NNECL • Alliance for Children in Care and Care Leavers • Virtual School Head amendment to Children & Families Act • Young people’s voices • Informs research and policy • Can also support your work
What else can we do to help support you to help care leavers? chloe.cockett@thewhocarestrust.org.uk