Barnardo's hosted a creative event examining what more can be done to support young people leaving care
A charity has used the stage to spark debate on a lack of support for those leaving care.
Despite the recently implemented continuing care legislation to offer support for young people leaving care, Barnardo’s Scotland believes too many youngsters are still leaving care too early with no formal plan for what happens next.
To give care leavers the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss the current leaving care situation and offer an opportunity to contribute to the wider debate, the children’s charity held an event in Edinburgh today (1 November).
The event at the Traverse Theatre followed a similar format to a symposium held in the north east of England earlier in the year, opening with a showing of Leaving, the new play by Paddy Campbell in which young care leavers experiences are brought to life on stage. This was followed by audience members discussing issues raised in the play, then questions from the audience directed to the panel – which generated an open and frank debate.
Kirsten Hogg, head of policy at Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “There are many challenges facing young people preparing to leave and leaving care in Scotland today: being encouraged to move on when they reach a certain age, rather than when they are ready; a lack of suitable accommodation to move to; and problems with budgeting and other practical tasks.
“The idea for this event was to bring together young people, professionals and decision makers to discuss these issues, and to think collectively about ways to improve things, be that for individuals facing these problems right now, or structurally to improve the lives of children and young people in years to come.
“Having the opportunity to see these issues, and a range of others, brought to life through the play, through a virtual reality installation, and through slam poetry gave us the opportunity to feel and reflect upon these issues differently. It helped to bring to life issues like loneliness, and the importance of long term, sustainable relationships in a way that really hit home.”
The audience consisted of care leavers, foster carers, people working in the care system and a high-profile panel, including Fiona Duncan, chair of the Independent Care Review, and care experienced young people.
Duncan said: “It is one of the Care Review’s 12 intentions that young people leaving care have tailored support – for as long as they need it - and that it is designed around their needs.
“Today we heard powerful testimonies about young people’s experience of what it feels like to live in and then leave this thing called the ‘care system’. Birthdays should be happy occasions full of celebration, but for many young people it is a milestone marked with uncertainty and insecurity.
“Care experienced young people have so much potential and deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. We must provide the support and opportunities that each young person needs to set them on their future paths and be by their side at challenging points along the way.”
Jacqui Thompson, who works for the charity's Edinburgh leaving care service, said: “The event was the start of a conversation which we hope will reach more young people and practitioners throughout Scotland. To hear the lived experiences of young people and their care journeys was powerful and inspiring for all involved yesterday. However, it underlined that we still have a long way to go to improve the outcomes for young people who are in care or leaving care here and now."
