Young people and the care system

Barnardo's has published a report, entitled The cost of not caring: supporting English care leavers into independence, which is based on in-depth, qualitative research with twenty care leavers.

The report found that because children's services were placing care leavers in unsuitable housing, with unrealistic expectations of how well they can cope living alone, they are being 'set up to fail'.

For further information visit www.barnardos.org.uk/news/Care_leavers_set_up_to_fail_at_independent_living-_Barnardos_report/latest-news.htm?ref=101075. To download the report visit www.barnardos.org.uk/costs_of_care_leavers.pdf.

A survey of 233 social care practitioners has uncovered gaps in their knowledge about the rights and entitlements of children in care and care leavers. This was a follow up survey of original research, carried out a year ago, and three quarters of respondents now feel their knowledge has improved over the last year.

For further information visit www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/news/1148805/mps-raise-concerns-professionals-care-knowledge-gap. To download the report visit www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/data/files/The_Entitlements_Inquiry_On_Year_On_Report.pdf.