Too many young people are doomed to criminality, addiction and homelessness as provision is stripped to the bone
I grew up in care, and spent some time homeless, but I eventually made it to university and became a journalist and author. Why is it that so few people in care share a similar journey? Instead, too many are in the criminal justice system, lost to addiction or off the map. It’s something I set out to explore in a video for the Guardian looking at the system and what’s changed in the 20 years since I left.
After a decade of austerity, the government has stripped provision for kids in care to the bone. In a sense, I was lucky. I lived in regulated children’s homes run by local authorities, where experienced staff were on duty 24 hours a day. Now, 75% of homes in England are run by private companies.
Daniel Lavelle writes on mental health, homelessness and social care
The NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.
