By Sharon Nelson, Changing Futures
Approximately three per cent of fostering placements nationally are with charities.
That’s despite the desperate need for more foster families and more homes. Yet the third sector is seemingly being scared off from providing care.
Just last month, one Somerset charity handed back control of several children’s homes following an Ofsted inspection.
But the charity sector must be braver, not least for our young people.
And charity support is vital if we are to end this fostering crisis.
Multiple government reviews have repeatedly driven home the value of the voluntary sector in doing so.
On top of that, children’s services leaders have called for greater collaboration with charities and other not-for-profit organisations.
Without them, things will get worse – and like often, the North East will suffer most of all.
Our region has more youngsters in care here than anywhere else in the country. That’s exactly why, at Changing Futures North East, we won’t be scared off.
Hence building Hope House. An unassuming children’s home in our hometown of Hartlepool, aimed at giving youngsters what should be taken for granted – a home.
A place where they have their own bedroom, and round-the-clock support. Perhaps most importantly, Hope House is where relationships can be built. Because that’s what care should be about. Not just finding kids a bed and massaging care stats. It is about genuinely improving young lives. But I can see why charities are spooked.
Bad press – and the current climate – doesn’t help. We’ve seen Ofsted raise concerns about the growth of unregistered children’s homes, while charities are forever facing major financial and workforce pressures, with some organisations being forced to reduce or withdraw provision altogether.
That matters.
Because when a provider disappears, it’s not simply a business closing its doors.
It can mean a child losing that friendly face they’ve slowly grown to trust.
It can disrupt relationships that, in this world, are priceless. Even the Government know this.
In its latest strategy on care-experienced children, it states that enduring relationships can boost educational and health outcomes, build resilience and reduce loneliness.
We see that first-hand every day.
It’s also why we’re so passionate about our Independent Visitors service. An Independent Visitor is someone who isn’t a foster carer, but who can still build a life-changing, long-term relationship with a young person.
They can be that child’s rock – but without the obligation and commitment to full-time fostering. They are not just essential to what we do, but to improving young lives.
Because they are an adult they can trust and bond with. Someone to shower them in TLC, remember their birthday and make a bit of a fuss of them.
But they are also a shoulder to cry on. Someone to confide in when there’s nobody else. And perhaps more than anything, they are adults who believe in them.
We need more innovative programmes like Independent Visitors. But again, we also need more charities.
Fostering is facing an uphill battle. We have too many kids in care, and not enough places for them to go. It is that simple.
We hope that locally, Hope House will help bridge that gulf – and also improve young lives.
Because children don’t need a system that simply finds somewhere for them to live. They need somewhere they can call home. And people they can trust.
For some young people, that could make the world of difference.
www.changingfuturesne.co.uk