MINISTER’S PLEDGE TO DO BETTER ON YOUNG LEAVING CARE

EDUCATION Secretary Gavin Williamson today bluntly told how the Government “simply must do better” to support youngsters leaving care.

He urged Cabinet colleagues to work more closely together to help these vulnerable young people whose plight may have been made even more precarious by the coronavirus crisis.

Responding to the Standard’s special investigation into the effect of lockdown on children and vulnerable families, he issued the plea after hearing directly from individuals leaving care about the challenges they face which could include mental health, being homeless, drug addiction, being lured into crime and loneliness. The young people addressed ministers brought together on a cross-Whitehall ministerial care-leaver board.

Mr Williamson said: “The virus has shone a light on the risks faced by young people leaving care. As I chaired the board, they told us about feeling lonely, their fear of becoming homeless and the impact this has on their mental health.”

Nadia, a care leaver who spoke to the board, said afterwards: “I’ve had so many people make decisions in my life about what is best for me, without asking me. The fact we have been given a platform to share our story is empowering.”