Children in care and care-leavers need to be explained the reasons why they are in care as it has a direct influence on their wellbeing, according to Bright Spots Research Programme, a partnership between Coram Voice and the University of Oxford.
Surveys showed that almost half of the children aged between four and seven do not fully understand why they are in care, while a quarter of the care-leavers also feel the same. Research showed that a lack of information about the causes that led these groups into care contribute to feelings of unsettlement and subjectively low wellbeing.
The Bright Spots programme puts forward a list of nine key messages from children and young people that shed light on the importance of understanding the reasons of going into care.
Key messages:
- Coming into care raises a range of feelings and not knowing why you can’t live with your family can make things even more difficult.
- Adults should be open and honest about children and young people’s past and plans for their care – giving consistent explanations and keeping children up to date with changes.
- Children and young people want help to keep personal information such as photos and family keepsakes safe.
- Don’t assume that children and young people are unable to understand, but use age appropriate ways of talking about difficult experiences.
- Don’t let fear of upsetting children and young people lead to important information being kept from them.
- Life story work is a core opportunity to explore, understand and make sense of the past and the present. It should be offered to all children, with an option of opting out if the time is not right for them.
- Ask children and young people what they would like to discuss and whether they want to discuss it.
- Give different opportunities to ask questions about what has happened and repeat information as often as needed.
- Support access to care files as they can help older young people answer questions and fill gaps in their lives.
Moreover, according to Coram Voice, a leading national charity for the voice of children in care in the UK, creative writing can be a significant method in supporting children in exploring their feelings. The charity organizes an annual creative writing competition for children in care and care-leavers, called Voices.
Find out more about this year's competition here.