Resources and information specifically tailored for the needs and experiences of children within the care system.
As the Director of Looked After Child Limited, I have spent over seven years on the frontline—from NVQ Level 4 leadership to the daily realities of managing a residential home. I have seen the "paper trail" of a child's life fail them repeatedly during transitions. In 2026, we are finally moving...
A waking night shift is a period of professional duty where a staff member remains fully awake and alert throughout the night to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and emotional support of children in a residential setting. Unlike a "sleep-in" shift, the staff member does not go to bed; they are...
A sleep-in shift typically begins in the evening and ends the following morning. While the staff member is there to rest, they are "on-call" to respond immediately to any incidents, emotional distress, or emergencies that arise during the night. Key Features of a Sleep-In: Presence and Safety: The...
What is the Care Leaver Covenant? The Care Leaver Covenant is a national inclusion programme in England designed to support young people aged 16 to 25 as they transition from the care system to independent living. It is a formal "promise" made by private, public, and voluntary sector organisations...
Hello, I’m Li Jean-Luc Harris. As someone who has navigated the care system myself and now works to support young people like you, I want to talk about something incredibly important: your voice. Sometimes, things don’t go the way they should. Maybe you feel you aren't being listened to, or...
As someone who has walked this path, I know that being "in care" can sometimes feel like a label that limits your future. But I’m here to tell you—and show you—that your history is not your destiny. Being in care does not stop you from achieving greatness; in fact, the resilience you develop can...
Growing up in care comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also gives you a chance to build incredible inner strength. Building resilience in care means developing the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, manage stress, and keep moving forward toward your goals. While it might...
Navigating the care system is a significant challenge, but for young people who identify as LGBTQ+, the experience often includes layers of complexity that require specific, informed support. Creating a truly inclusive environment means moving beyond "tolerance" toward active validation. What is...
Forensic social work is a specialized field where the legal system and social work practice meet. As someone with lived experience in the care system, I know that legal processes can feel overwhelming; forensic social workers serve as the vital bridge, ensuring that the human element is never lost...
The phrase "Statement of Purpose" might sound like a dry, legal requirement, but in the world of residential childcare, it is actually the most important document a home possesses. It is the "DNA" of a children's home, outlining exactly how they will care for, protect, and support the children...
"Staying Put" is an arrangement that allows a young person to continue living with their former foster carers after they turn 18. Instead of being required to move out into independent living on their 18th birthday, this arrangement enables them to remain in a stable, familiar environment until...
Reunification is the process where a child in care returns to live with their birth family. It is the most common way for children to leave the care system in England, with approximately 27% to 29% of children exiting care returning to their birth parents or relatives. As someone who has navigated...
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