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Listen
A YOUNG PERSON'S STORY
My personal experience of the care system comes from being in local authority care from an early age. I was in various foster placements until the age of 6, when I was placed with a family; I am still part of that family 19 years later.
Being part of a family is so important. The feeling of belonging, the sense of permanence and of knowing people care, is vital to every child's wellbeing and personal development. I think the fact that I had a place to call home, a sense of stability and, more essentially, a caring family has made such a significant difference to my life and has been integral to the person I have become, enabling me to realise my ambitions and ultimately lead me to where I am today.
Throughout my time in care I was continually supported and encouraged by many, from my foster family to my tutors to my local authority. My local authority ensured that my educational fees were paid and that additional support was provided for travelling and studying resources. Free from the added strain of financial pressures I could focus wholly on my studies and I'm convinced all of these factors combined in helping me to obtain my degree. I know how vital that support was and how this has enabled me to continue to learn and progress.
I feel extremely fortunate in that I have people who love me and who give me support and encouragement in all that I do. However, not all children and young people have such positive experiences. Looked After young people need continuity and stability and essentially they need listening to. In my opinion we need to improve the communication between local authority workers, from social, residential and educational workers, to foster carers and senior officers, to ensure that their roles and responsibilities are having a positive impact. Putting the young people at the centre of all they do will, I believe, improve the future of many.
Young people in local authority care may face challenges that are often radically different from those faced by the large majority of young people. I know that they can find themselves the victims of negative stereotypes and, combined with financial and emotional pressures, successfully completing high school education or going to college or university is just not often an option.
Their educational needs need to be prioritised and attitudes changed in order to give them the chance to fulfil their potential in the face of opposing circumstances, barriers that too many currently face.
As I look back now as a care leaver I warmly welcome any concerted effort to implement procedures and support networks aimed at improving the educational achievements and life outcomes of all Looked After children, young people and care leavers.
Nicola McDade, Care leaver, Glasgow.
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