Young people transitioning from public care — which encompasses foster and residential care — are commonly known as care leavers. They are already a marginalised group who often face significant social and economic disadvantage. And now they are vulnerable to increased risks during the COVID-19 crisis, as people become more and more reliant on close family and friends support. For many care leavers, who have limited social networks, the ongoing and increasing social distancing measures will mean social isolation, which will in turn increase their vulnerability.
To begin with, if care leavers contract the virus and become unwell, there is the risk that they will have no one to check on or care for them. Practitioners and carers will no doubt continue to play key support roles, in both formal and informal ways; they will be following up with the care leavers and doing their best to offer guidance and support, and refer care leavers to appropriate services. But there are also some care leavers in hard-to-reach groups, and some who are estranged from services. As a group they are overrepresented in the homeless population and the criminal justice system. Now, as a result of COVID-19, these groups face heightened risks.
For care leaving services, the coronavirus crisis will result in an unprecedented demand for support, which will pose acute challenges for austerity hit local authorities. This demand is likely to be compounded if practitioners and carers become ill, resulting in an erosion of this vital safety net.
Care leavers often face challenges with their mental health. This can be as a result of early childhood trauma, which can then be compounded by the social and economic disadvantage they face when they leave care. It is important to highlight that there are many amazingly resilient and successful care experienced people who are prominent in sport, the media, politics, academia and other institutions. Nevertheless, as a group, care leavers are often found in the criminal justice and mental health systems. The impact of social isolation and the understandable increased levels of anxiety surrounding the virus will exacerbate care leavers’ vulnerability to mental-health difficulties. Many of them already struggle to access the vital yet limited mental health support; and for those that do, this crisis will no doubt mean their support will be interrupted. It will be crucial to maintain a focus on mental health support for care leavers as this crisis continues to unfold.
Advocacy services and mutual aid groups often play a crucial role offering practical support, guidance and mentorship to care leavers. Who Cares Scotland has set up dedicated helplines, and in Australia the CREATE Foundation is engaging with people with a care experience. There may be other, less obvious support services that overlap with what can sometimes be the multifaceted challenges care leavers experience. For example, addiction can be an issue for some care leavers, and recovery support groups are now having to meet online as a result of social distancing. That’s why it is vital that increased funding is provided to these services so they can develop online and phone support and expand their reach. These sources of support will be crucial amid the pandemic, but also as our communities start to recover.
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Although they are woefully underrepresented, there are increasing numbers of care leavers in Universities and Colleges who are defying the statistics and overcoming the challenges of their early childhoods. It is important to recognize they also face a difficult time now. They may experience significant isolation as their fellow students return to their family homes. Most UK education providers have named staff that make regular contact with care leavers and estranged students, and this care and support will now be more crucial than ever, to ensure they can reach the potential that they have already worked so hard to realise.
As with many young adults, care leavers will be vulnerable due to financial insecurity due to precarious employment and the gig economy. However, some care leavers are at significantly higher risk because they may not have the back-up of family or friends that are able to help. The welfare system is also changing in response to need and the government have pledged support to people effected. However, these systems are also experiencing significant delays due to unprecedented demands. Care leavers might require urgent financial help and guidance and systems need to recognise their vulnerability and ensure they have some security.
This is particularly important when you consider the statistics that suggest care leavers are four times more likely than anyone else to be sanctioned and have their benefits stopped. Financial security for care leavers at this time will be crucial to ensure they have the money for the bills, food and utilities, and it will be crucial for care leavers to have phone access and the internet. The online world will be a lifeline to combat loneliness and keep care leavers connected to practitioners for vital help.
We should underscore that in recent years there have been many care experienced people who have become activists and advocates organising and working together to support their peers. It is important that policy actors and practitioners act, but that they also engage with this community. After all, they offer a vital perspective and will know first-hand what leaving care is like, and will understand what this crisis will mean for people across the care experienced community and what they need.
Progress has been made with care leaver support and increased recognition of their interests, rights and wellbeing. But this is no static accomplishment and there is still a long way to go – especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There is now an urgent challenge we must meet if we are to continue to recognise the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable people and uphold the responsibility of the state who have statutory duties to care for them. At this time of crisis, the corporate parent needs to ensure that priority resources and support are provided to care leavers, and their needs are not forgotten.
Justin Rogers is a Lecturer in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences and Researcher in the Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy at the University of Bath. Philip Mendes is Associate Professor and the Director of the Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit in the Social Work Department at Monash University. Ian Thomas is a care experienced person and a Practice Development Officer at the Martin James Foundation.