Leaving care in England: A research perspective

Abstract

In England and Wales children and young people are looked after, in substitute care or accommodation, by local authority social services departments. There are a variety of reasons for this — family breakdown, neglect and abuse, pressures arising from severe social deprivation or because young people themselves are experiencing difficulties as they grow up. They may be getting into trouble, running away or be beyond parental control. Most of these children and young people return home. However, significant numbers, estimated to be in the region of 16,000 sixteen to eighteen year olds, (National Children's Bureau, 1992) will remain estranged from their families and it will be the responsibility of social service departments to prepare and support them for adulthood. The legal duties and powers of social service departments in England and Wales in relation to young people leaving their care or accommodation have recently been strengthened by the Children Act 1989 which was implemented in October 1991. This article begins by describing the background to these changes, including what we have called “the awakening of leaving care in the professional and political consciousness”, and then briefly outlines the duties and powers, contained within the 1989 Act, to prepare young people for leaving care and help them after leaving.