Barnardo's has launched the Government’s first Charter for Care Leavers.
The Department for Education has produced the charter in association with care leavers, charities and local authorities.
The aims of the charter are to reinforce the Government’s commitment as corporate parent, to remind local authorities of the principles to be guided by when working with care leavers and to raise aspiration and understanding of what care leavers need.
Anne Marie Carrie, Barnardo’s chief executive, said:
“The Charter for Care Leavers includes the values and ideals that should lie at the heart of any parental relationship.
“Barnardo’s hopes to see professionals who work with care leavers being encouraged and supported to draw on their emotions as well as regulations. The charter can not magic up resources that are unavailable, but it is an essential reminder of how we must think about and treat care leavers.
“The lack of consistency of provision for care leavers across local authorities is a grave concern. The current support system is not clear or accessible for young people. Barnardo’s looks forward to seeing an end to care leavers having to fight for what they are entitled to.”
