How can we improve support for children and young people in care? Explore Research in Practice resources to support collaborative, trauma-informed and effective practice.
Across the UK, the number of looked-after children is at a record high. In England, there is approximately 84,000 children in care.
Working collaboratively with children and young people helps to amplify their voices and lived experiences. This approach can lead to more effective services and improved outcomes. The Cards You’re Dealt is a card game that aims to help professionals to see the care system through the eyes of a child. Designed by a group of young people with care experience in Hull, the game is a reflective training tool, highlighting the challenges faced by children and young people in care.
The emotional impact on a child during their transition into care is well documented and many social workers describe it as the most challenging part of their profession. Children Coming into Our Care is a project that provides a structured, multi-disciplinary approach designed to equip practitioners with the tools, knowledge, and support to minimise trauma for children during separation. The project team outlines the eight key principles to this approach that have formed a new standard of practice in Lewisham.
By understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of children in care, practitioners can support the young people they work with to thrive and reach their full potential.
The Cards You’re Dealt: Amplifying the voices of young people with care experience
Explore a new training tool designed to equip professionals in health and social care with an awareness of the challenges that young people in care face.
Children Coming into Our Care: A compassionate, trauma-informed approach
Explore a new framework implemented by children’s services in Lewisham Council that aims to ensure that every child entering care experiences compassion, stability, and understanding from the very beginning of their journey.
Promoting the wellbeing of children in care
Explore an open access publication that provides an overview of key messages from the programme, sharing practice examples and reflective questions. An open access collection of resources summarises what children in care and care leavers have expressed is important to them and their wellbeing.
The Cards You’re Dealt: Amplifying the voices of young people with care experience
Young Voices Influencing Care is a group of passionate and resilient young people with care experience in Hull. The group has developed a new card game designed to help the adults who support them to see the care system through the eyes of a child.
Children Coming into Our Care: A compassionate, trauma-informed approach
The emotional impact on the child during their transition into care is well documented, and many social workers describe this process as the most emotionally challenging part of their profession. The Children Coming into Our Care (CCIOC) project provides a structured, multi-disciplinary approach designed to minimise trauma for children during the separation process.
What makes life good for children in care and care leavers?
This collection of resources summarises what children in care and care leavers have told the Bright Spots Programme about what is important to them and their wellbeing.
The wellbeing of children in care and care leavers - learning from the Bright Spots Programme: Strategic Briefing (2022)
This briefing provides an overview of the key messages from the Bright Spots Programme. Although it is aimed at strategic leads and senior managers, the contents are of relevance to anyone working with children in care and care leavers.