The ‘Lifelong Links’ Model: Fostering Enduring Relationships for Children in Care and Care Leavers

by Li Jean-Luc Harris | May 14, 2026

The ‘Lifelong Links’ Model is a transformative approach in social care, designed to ensure that children and young people in care, and care leavers, develop and maintain a robust network of supportive, lasting relationships into adulthood. Developed by the Family Rights Group, this model addresses the critical need for relational permanence, which is distinct from legal permanence, by actively seeking out and reconnecting young people with significant individuals in their lives. These can include birth family members, extended relatives, former foster carers, teachers, and other caring adults who are willing to make a lifelong commitment. Research indicates that such enduring connections are fundamental for well-being, resilience, and positive life outcomes for young people who have experienced the care system.

At its core, the ‘Lifelong Links’ process involves an independent, specially trained coordinator who works directly with the child or young person. This coordinator helps them identify individuals important to them, conduct searches to locate these people, and then facilitates a Lifelong Links Family Group Conference. The purpose of this conference is to collaboratively create a support plan that ensures these relationships can grow and be sustained, embedding it within the child’s existing care or pathway plan. The model is particularly vital for those young people who may not achieve legal permanence, providing them with a ‘family’ network that offers emotional, social, and practical support, mitigating risks such as homelessness and poor mental health. Evaluations of the Lifelong Links model have shown promising results, including an increase in family and friend connections for young people, an improved sense of identity, and greater placement stability.

This comprehensive strategy directly addresses the challenges faced by children in care and care leavers, who often experience fragmented networks and a lack of consistent adult support. The Children Act 1989, while a cornerstone of child welfare law, emphasizes the promotion of contact but the ‘Lifelong Links’ model takes this a significant step further by actively building and sustaining these critical networks. Implementing this model requires a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and cultural competency, ensuring that the diverse needs and backgrounds of young people are respected and supported throughout the process. It also necessitates collaboration between local authorities, social workers, and various community-based organisations. The long-term societal benefits, including reduced homelessness, improved educational engagement, and better mental health outcomes, underscore the importance of integrating this relational approach into mainstream social care practice. [Insert relevant statistic about the prevalence of care leaver homelessness here, e.g., ‘About 10% of people sleeping rough in London in 2018 were care-experienced, and 26% of young care leavers had ‘sofa surfed’ (Sanders, Jones & Whelan, 2021).’] This content will explore the foundational principles, practical implementation, documented benefits, and ongoing challenges of the ‘Lifelong Links’ Model, positioning it as a cornerstone of modern, child-centred social care. For more information on similar approaches, consider exploring articles on ‘Understanding Attachment Theory: A Professional Framework for Supporting Looked After Children’ and ‘A Practitioner’s Guide to Social Pedagogy: Building Trauma-Responsive Relationships’.

Table Of Contents

1 Frequently Asked Questions
2 Supporting Spoke Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Lifelong Links' Model?

The ‘Lifelong Links’ Model is an innovative social care approach developed by the Family Rights Group. It aims to connect children and young people in care, and care leavers, with a sustainable network of supportive adults—including family, former carers, and teachers—to foster lasting relationships and enhance their well-being into adulthood.

How does the 'Lifelong Links' Model work in practice?

An independent Lifelong Links coordinator works with the young person to identify key individuals they wish to connect with. The coordinator then locates these individuals and facilitates a Family Group Conference to create a support plan, which is integrated into the young person’s care plan, ensuring continuity of relationships.

What are the key benefits of implementing the 'Lifelong Links' Model?

Benefits include increased connections with family and friends, improved sense of identity and belonging, greater placement stability, enhanced emotional health and well-being, and reduced risks of homelessness for care leavers.

What is the difference between 'legal permanence' and 'relational permanence'?

Legal permanence refers to a child’s relationship with a parenting adult being legally recognized (e.g., reunification, adoption, guardianship). Relational permanence, which the ‘Lifelong Links’ model prioritizes, focuses on a young person’s subjective sense of belonging through enduring, lifelong connections with caring adults, regardless of legal status.

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Featured Snippet Target

The ‘Lifelong Links’ Model is a pioneering social care initiative designed to build and sustain crucial, lifelong relationships for children in care and care leavers. Through dedicated coordinators and Family Group Conferences, it connects young people with a network of caring adults, significantly improving their sense of identity, well-being, and stability as they transition into adulthood.

Glossary of Terms

Lifelong Links Model: A program developed by Family Rights Group to connect children and young people in care with a supportive network of family and significant adults for lasting relationships.

Relational Permanence: The subjective experience of a young person having enduring, lifelong connections to caring adults, providing a sense of belonging and support, irrespective of legal status.

Family Group Conference (FGC): A meeting facilitated by an independent coordinator, bringing together a child or young person, their family, and wider network to make a plan of support for them.

Care Leaver: A young person who has been in the care of a local authority for a period of time and has since left care. They are entitled to ongoing support.

Next Steps

The ‘Lifelong Links’ Model represents a significant evolution in child welfare, moving beyond traditional legal frameworks to embrace the profound importance of human connection. For professionals, policymakers, and advocates, understanding and actively supporting this model is crucial. Further engagement with the principles of relational permanence, investing in skilled coordination, and fostering multi-agency collaboration will be key to ensuring every child in care and care leaver benefits from the enduring relationships they deserve. Continuous evaluation and adaptation will also be vital to maximise the model’s impact and address emerging challenges in supporting vulnerable young people into thriving adulthoods.

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