Report: 280 sources of evidence reflecting the voice of children in care and care leavers

New research for the Children’s Commissioner for England, by the National Children’s Bureau and Research in Practice, has found recent sources of evidence reflecting the voice of children in care and care leavers, providing new insight into young people’s experience of the care system.  

The report identifies over 280 sources of evidence produced between April 2015 and February 2017, from activities engaging directly with children in care and care leavers in England, based on a public call for evidence and extensive research. This body of information could provide important new insight into young people’s experience of the care system.

The voice of children and young people has, in recent years, become central to decisions about service design and care planning, with policy makers becoming increasingly aware of the need to hear directly from children in care. This report suggests that decision makers could learn from existing evidence to help inform practice.

The existing evidence base includes a large number of diverse sources that provide insight into young people’s views, which derives from local authorities, voluntary organisations, Government departments, health bodies, universities and research organisations. Additionally, individuals with complex needs are represented, including those in the youth secure estate, migrant children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation. There is also evidence of young people’s views on family and friends, education and leisure, health and wellbeing, their local environment, money and transition.

It is hoped that the Children’s Commissioner will initiate a full examination of the sources and that this work will encourage organisations to work together to improve the evidence base and share best practice.

Click here to download the report.