A report examined the experiences of care leavers in finding suitable accommodation. It made recommendations about how to improve the preparation for leaving care, and the provision of housing and support. There was a major problem with the patchiness of preparation for leaving care; and the choice of accommodation and support young people received was limited.
Source: A Place to Call Home: Care leavers' experience of finding suitable accommodation, Centrepoint (020 7426 5300)
Links: Report | Centrepoint press release | Community Care report
Date: 2006-Nov
A think-tank report said that most young people in local authority care were destined to end up in prison, homeless, or working as prostitutes. The system was failing young people and society, and perpetuating an 'underclass'.
Source: Harriet Sergeant, Handle with Care: An investigation into the care system, Centre for Young Policy Studies (020 7222 4488)
Links: CPS press release | Introduction | NCH press release | Centrepoint press release | BBC report
Date: 2006-Sep
A report said that children in care were written off by the education system, with nearly 8 out of 10 gaining no qualifications.
Source: Failed by the System: The views of young care leavers on their educational experiences, Barnardo s (01268 520224)
Links: Report | Barnardo's press release | Turning Point press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2006-Aug
An article presented findings from a study of outcomes for young people leaving care. Employment outcomes were generally poor: but housing outcomes were rather better.
Source: Jim Wade and Jo Dixon, 'Making a home, finding a job: investigating early housing and employment outcomes for young people leaving care', Child & Family Social Work, Volume 11 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2006-Aug
The children's services inspectorate examined the support young people received from social services when leaving care. Young people often did not know what their entitlement to aftercare services was. Some enjoyed excellent preparation and support, while others received little or no help at all.
Source: Young People s Views on Leaving Care: What young people in, and formerly in, residential and foster care think about leaving care, Children's Rights Director/Commission for Social Care Inspection (0845 015 0120)
Links: Report | CSCI press release
Date: 2006-Feb