Break supports Government plans to reform children’s social care

Last week, we were pleased to see the Government’s announcement setting out the next steps for reforming children’s social care.  

As a charity supporting young people in and leaving care across the East of England, we believe that the focus on greater multi-agency working and a renewed emphasis on stable, lifelong relationships represent a significant opportunity to ensure children have the support networks they need to thrive.   

The Government’s plans to expand foster care and strengthen support for care leavers represent an important step toward a system that truly prioritises children and young people’s needs. These plans will help more children grow up in stable, loving homes, and address the ‘cliff edge’ many young people experience when leaving care. As one of the first organisations to pilot a Staying Close programme, we have seen first-hand the difference ongoing support and relationships can make as young people move into adulthood.  

However, there is more to be done to address gaps in mental health and therapeutic provision for children and young people with care experience. 

Fynn Cornish, Associate Director of Care at Break said: "Young people who have grown up in care are far more likely to face additional emotional, social, and practical challenges as they move into adulthood. Through our therapeutic services and partnership working with local organisations, we have seen first-hand how compassionate, relationship-based, therapeutic support can help young people build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and feel more connected and supported as they navigate adult life. 

"We also need to see greater recognition of the needs of care leavers with complex disabilities, who often face additional barriers when transitioning to independence, including limited suitable housing. This is an area we're exploring ourselves through a new project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation - and we hope our learnings will be able to help improve experiences of leaving care nationally."

As plans progress, it's important that the Government involves organisations with frontline experience to help shape a system that truly meets the needs of young people growing up in and leaving care, bringing their expertise and experience to ensure every young person receives the care, stability, and lifelong relationships they deserve.