News from FFP member, Action for Children: Four things you need to know about the UK care system

The recent BBC documentary ‘Joe Swash: Teens in Care’, which aired in the UK on 11th July 2023 shone a light on the importance of the care system, and the need to address the challenges currently facing it.

The documentary spotlights Rachel, who was supported by Action for Children when she left care and now campaigns for other care experienced young people. In light of this, here are four things you should know about the UK care system, from how many extra foster families are needed in the UK to the percentage of siblings separated in care.

1. The number of children in care is currently at a record high
As of 31st March 2022, there were 82,170 children and young people living in care in England alone. In Wales, 7,080 and in Northern Ireland, 3,624. Between 2020 and 2021 there were 13,255 looked after children in Scotland.

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Children and young people go into care for a multitude of reasons. Abuse and neglect are the most common reasons for care entry; however, poverty often plays a role. A peer-reviewed study published by The Lancet in June 2022 highlighted that ‘child poverty has emerged as a key risk factor for children entering care’. This makes the threat of the cost-of-living crisis and the devastating impact that this is having on families even more pertinent.

2. Children leaving care are more likely to experience poor outcomes
In 2022, 38% of 19-21 year old care leavers were not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET), compared to just 11% of their peers.

At Action for Children, we seek to rectify this imbalance of opportunity between care leavers and children without care experience. One way that we do this is through our Inspire IT programme. In partnership with DELL Technologies, we help to connect thousands of young people with the technology and training they need to access education and the resources they need to learn and grow.

Read Charlie's story

3. Approximately 37% of looked after children with siblings are separated when placed in care
Increasing demand for care placements is putting pressure on the care system. The result is a devastating struggle to keep siblings together.

4. The UK needs an additional 7,200 foster families to help children in care
With the increasing number of children entering the care system, it is no surprise that there is rising demand for foster families in the UK. Currently, ‘nearly 70,000 children are living with almost 55,000 foster families’.

In 2022, just over four fifths, or 83 per cent, of the children in care in Northern Ireland were in foster placements. In England, this number was 70%.

Through our 447 local services at Action for Children, we supported 760,000 children, young people, and families across the UK in 2022. By drawing on our 154 years of experience, we will continue to look out for the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

Source:
www.actionforchildren.org.uk/