HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES

COLUMNIST

IMPROVING outcomes and life chances for care-experienced children is a priority for me as Children’s Minister and of the Welsh Government as a whole.

As of March 2017, there were 5,954 children in care in Wales, an increase of 5% on the previous year. This increasing trend is being seen across the UK.

We want to do what we can to reverse this trend. So our priority is to do what we can to reduce the need for children to enter the care system.

As part of our programme for government, Taking Wales Forward, we set out a clear commitment to examine ways of ensuring looked-after children enjoy the same life chances as other children and, if necessary, reform the way they are looked after.

Our national strategy, Prosperity for All, also describes our priorities around supporting children and families at the edge of care and young people in care, particularly as they transition towards adulthood.

I’m delighted to confirm we will invest £15m next year to progress our shared ambition that by intervening with support early we reduce the need for children to enter care, but also to supporting those children who are already in care.

The funding to expand preventative and early intervention services will be used to build on the support the Welsh Government and its partners are providing to families and children early on, so they are supported to stay together and ultimately reduce the need for children to enter care. I expect local authorities, third sector organisations and health boards to work in partnership to use this fund flexibly and creatively across their regions.

It is essential for successful delivery and I want to thank them for them for their cooperation and contribution so far.

Earlier this month I was pleased to receive the Our Lives, Our Care pilot survey on the experiences of looked-after children.

Commissioned by the Welsh Government and supported by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, it was completed by 686 children and young people – approximately 28% of all looked-after children in Wales aged between four and 18.

The survey shows that the vast majority of children in care in Wales are settled in their placements and happy with their lives overall.

Recognising and listening to children and young people and being responsive to their views and experiences is fundamental. So I want to thank all the children and young people who have given their time to participate in this survey.

There are areas where we are doing well but also others where we can do better. We must now learn from what children and young people are saying matters to them most – in their relationships with their carers, families and friends, how they are supported and the opportunities they are given to flourish.

I want local authorities to use the information wisely so it can influence how services are developed and delivered to meet children and young people’s needs and expectations.

My message to the children in care in Wales is – we will listen to you and we will act to ensure your concerns are addressed. ■ Huw Irranca-Davies is Minister for Children, Older People & Social Care