Our response to the Department for Education’s care leavers announcement
Our response to the Department for Education's National Care Leavers' Week announcement.
Become CEO, Katharine Sacks-Jones, welcomes new government support for care leavers
23/10/19
In response to today’s announcement from the Department for Education as part of National Care Leavers’ Week, Katharine Sacks-Jones, Become’s Chief Executive, said:
“We welcome this new support for care leavers. We hear from far too many young people leaving care who find themselves isolated, uncertain about their rights, and at risk of harm. Increasing funding for Pupil Premium Plus and expanding Staying Put will help support young people’s positive transitions into adult life. However, we need to go further – knowing where you’re going to live as a young adult must become the norm for all teenagers in care, not the exception.
“The issues young care leavers face cannot be solved by a single government department and so we’re pleased to see the establishment of a cross-departmental board. We hope this board will deliver meaningful change across housing, education, health, welfare and beyond, including recognising that being in care can affect someone right across their life.
“Government must make sure that all young people who’ve been in care receive ongoing support and a helping hand to give them the best start in life, just as any other child would expect from their parents.”