Young People and the Care Experience ― Research, Policy and Practice

The care system looks after the most vulnerable young people in society – those who are, for a variety of reasons, unable to live with their parents. Young People and the Care Experience examines what can be done to support young people to remain at home, and if this is not possible, how they can be supported whilst in care and on leaving care. The book explores the range of options – foster care, children’s homes and adoption – and how these options interact. Using the latest research and framing the issues through both psycho-social and legal perspectives, the book provides an in-depth analysis of young people’s experience of the care system, and how it can be improved.

Examining the challenges faced by children on their journey from initially entering care to living independently after care, the book places these issues in a global context. Specifically, it discusses

• how to support children and young people at home
• an analysis of the history and demographics of children placed in care
• the challenges faced by children living in foster care
• the challenges faced by children living in a children’s home.
• the challenges faced by children being adopted leaving care

The book will be of interest to all those working with children in care, or those who have experience of the care system as a professional, carer or young person. It will also be of interest to researchers and students of developmental and social psychology, social work, and also to policy makers.

Julie Shaw is a lecturer in Social Work at the University of Lincoln. She recently completed her PhD in Criminology and Social Policy at Leeds Metropolitan University, undertaking research into why looked after children in residential children’s homes come to the attention of the youth justice system. Julie has previously worked as Court Liaison Officer for a Youth Offending Team and as a probation officer for a community sentences team.

Nick Frost is Professor of Social Work (Children, childhood and families), at the Faculty of Health, Leeds Metropolitan University. He has researched in the fields of child welfare, family support, children in care and integrated working. Nick worked in local authority social work for 15 years before commencing his academic career.