Looked-after children raise concerns about their care

Looked-after children are pleading with the government to ensure they can stay with their brothers and sisters when taken into care, according to a damning report presented by Roger Morgan, children’s rights director for England.

Children’s Messages to the Minister is based on surveys and focus groups involving children in care. It found that among their main concerns was being separated from their siblings when first coming into care.

The report found that many lost touch with their brothers and sisters when in care. Those that did manage to keep in touch had to arrange this themselves, with little support from the care system.

Other concerns raised were social worker visits not being frequent enough and a lack of consultation with children about their care, especially when changing placements.

Just over half of those surveyed said children’s services were not offering enough encouragement to get good jobs in the future.

Morgan said: “It is essential that the views of children are heard so we can find out first hand how well they are being supported and what can be done to improve their lives and future life chances.”

The report has now been handed to children’s minister Delyth Morgan to consider.