Articles by Young People
Here are some articles by young people of various ages. We would really like to hear about your experience of the care system, whether you're still experiencing it or you've left. Or maybe you'd like to write about some other issue.
Leaving Care
by Sarah Coleman
Last year the government introduced the Leaving Care Act, the idea of which is to give young people leaving care more support right up until their 21st birthday, or 24th if they continue into higher education. It is also meant to help young people make a smoother transition from care into wider society. But this is a tough move to make, I know, I have been there.
When I left care, I had my own social worker, but once she was gone, there was no obligation for Social Services to keep in contact with me. From my own experience, young people in care and care leavers often have issues with trusting authority figures, possibly due to abuse etc.
My Life Story About Being In Care
by Rachel (at age 12)
I've been in care five times since I was 6, I had my seventh birthday in care then a few months afterwards I went back. That happened another four times. When I was nine I came for the fifth time, then the court said I had to stay in 'til I am eighteen. Then six months later my two sisters were adopted and my brother was put in long term foster.
My Experience of A National Voice
by Samantha
I first heard about A National Voice when I was at a boarding school in Tunbridge Wells.
My key worker told me about this group called ANV and asked me if I was interested in joining. He told me it was for young people in care and young people who have left care. It seemed interesting so I wrote to ask if I could join the Management Commitee. My application was accepted and I never regret my decision.
They accepted me like I was one of the family and I still am but now having my views heard!
Untitled
by Anonymous
I was approached by a National Voice representative and asked to attend a Development Weekend at the NSPCC Headquarters in Leicester, to give me an insight into the workings of a Management Commitee. My initial impression was that this would be another one of those endless meetings, full of people wanting to 'change the world' or something. But it wasn't, it was very different.
A National Voice
is an organisation run by and for care experienced young people. Staff are also care experienced.
Our main aim is to create positive changes to the Care System in England and provide a national platform to hear the voices of approx 60,000 children and young people who are Looked After.