The significant research showing the link between poverty and being in care

A recent study by the Together Trust highlights a significant link between poverty and the likelihood of children entering the care system in England. The research identifies poverty as a primary driver, rather than merely a contextual factor, influencing this trend. Key findings include:

• Reframing Poverty: Recognizing poverty as a central cause for children entering care, necessitating targeted interventions.

• Support Systems: Emphasizing the need for local authorities to have adequate resources to address housing, food insecurity, and economic challenges to reduce care admissions.

• Education: Developing strategies to enhance educational aspirations for both parents and children, ensuring appropriate schooling for those in care.

• Policy Reforms: Advocating for the removal of punitive policies like the two-child limit and benefits cap, which exacerbate child poverty.

• Cost-of-Living Crisis: Implementing long-term solutions to address rising living costs that push more families into poverty.

The report calls for systemic changes to better support families and prevent unnecessary care admissions due to economic hardships. 

https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/news/exploring-link-between-poverty-and-children-entering-care-insights-our-research-volunteer

OFSTED released a study on childrens experiences of being in care

The 2024 Ofsted survey gathered insights from 6,995 children and young people in various social care settings, including children's homes, foster care, residential special schools, boarding schools, and supported accommodation.

The findings indicate that most respondents feel safe and have positive relationships with caregivers and peers. Specifically, 93% of children in children's homes reported feeling safe "always" or "most of the time," while 99% of those in foster care expressed the same sentiment.

However, 8% of children in residential special schools reported not feeling safe all the time, an increase from previous years. Additionally, children in residential special schools were more likely to report difficulties getting along with peers, though they also had more opportunities to spend time with important individuals in their lives.

These insights help Ofsted assess and improve the quality of care provided to children and young people.

You can read the full article here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childrens-social-care-questionnaires-2024-what-children-and-young-people-told-ofsted