1. “Would this be good enough for my child?”

2. Why do children become 'looked after'? Affected by distressing and damaging experiences including physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Illness or death of a parent. Disabilities and complex needs. The majority of young people in care come from families who experience hardship and are separated from them because their family was unable to provide adequate care.

3. What needs do we need to consider? Health needs –what do you think this includes? Educational outcomes Emotional support and stability and consistency in care placements – attachment Social exclusion

4. Who looks after these children and young people? Extended Family Foster carers Children’s Homes The decision on the type of placement is based on which one best meets the needs of the individual child. They can be either short term or long term, depending on the needs of the child or young person. Notion of ‘corporate’ parent Can the state be a real parent? Watch the following video Educating Essex from 28.18 till end of Vinni Educating Essex Discuss in small groups your response to this question

5. Children’s Views G, aged 12. You don’t get to do normal things like other children do. Children who are looked after don’t get to sleep over other people’s houses, but normal children do because the person doesn’t have to be police checked. But my Social Worker is fun to be around and gets me nice things when it is my birthday. R, age 13 and the thing I know about care – they help you but some time is not good for some kids because they don’t see their family. It’s fun because they take you out.

6. Gilligan (2001) Children in the care system are likely to be more resilient to adverse circumstances if they have the following: Supportive relationships with at least one adult. Supportive relationships with siblings and grandparents. A capacity to develop and reflect on a coherent story about what has happened and is happening to them. Talents and interests. Positive experiences in school. Positive friendships. A capacity to think ahead and plan in their lives.

7. Key Strategies Support for families in crisis Professionals need to collaborate closely and share information. Supporting foster carers Life-story work – where children and young people gather information and talk about their life – can help them understand their family history and life outside Strong and supportive personal relationships Meeting the needs of looked after children means listening to and, where possible, acting on their views.

8. Possible Barriers Professionals do not always feel equipped to provide the appropriate support and encouragement to our looked after children and young people. Challenging and aggressive behaviour – placement breakdowns What other possible barriers do you think there are?

9. Activity Watch the view of a foster parent How can this pose difficulties for foster parents and the long term care of children http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00v77vn

10. References Gilligan, R. (2001) Promoting Resilience: A Resource Guide on Working with Children in the Care System. London: British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering.