Author: David Graham

The CLA has recently received funding for 2 new projects. The Big Lottery is funding us through its Building Connections Fund to tackle loneliness and isolation. We will work over 2 years to establish an online digital network to help care leavers across the country to connect and support each other. The Igen Trust is funding us to develop a project to improve the mental health of young care leavers. We will be working with care leavers in Sheffield and Greater Manchester as well as with the local universities to deliver group work and individual support. More information on these projects will be released soon.

The Care Leavers Association is working in a partnership led by award winning charity PhotoVoice exploring the experiences of people who have gone through the care system. In partnership with 3 charities, the project will use photography to explore the experiences of adults who have left care (25+). Cameras will be provided, and no photographic experience is necessary – the insights shared through the 8 weekly workshops will help PhotoVoice develop new toolkits designed to improve the care system and support those currently in care. Drawing on PhotoVoice’s extensive experience in participatory photography and participatory-led engagement, participants will be trained in digital photography and media, storytelling and self-advocacy. They will be supported to… Read More

‘Between Care and the Criminal Justice System: Setting the agenda for the next decade’ This event, led by The Care Leavers’ Association (CLA) and with the support of academic partners, will re-visit the position and experience of care leavers within criminal justice settings. Identifying a number of issues which are out of scope in the current discussion, sessions will address the visibility of care leavers in the criminal justice context, the criminalisation of young people in the care system, the issues that present for criminalised adult care leavers across their life course, intersectional understanding of experiences of care and the challenges of disrupting institutional pathways between the care and criminal… Read More

The CLA is currently in the process of moving office. We will be based in a temporary office until our new office has been refurbished. This will be finished at the end of July. Please be patient with us as most of the office will remain in boxes until we move. Our new address is The Care Leavers Association, Beehive Mill, Jersey Stret, Manchester M4 6JG

The CLA have been asked to join a working group established by the government to develop a protocol for local authorities and police forces aimed at reducing the criminalisation of children in care. We are facilitating a small group of young care leavers who have experience of being criminalised. We will report back on progress as the work continues.

The Children and Social Work bill is at the final stage – awaiting Royal Assent, having passed all Commons stages. The third reading in the House of Commons took place on 7 March 2017. To read the debates and amendments from all stages visit here. The Care Leavers Association worked alongside other sector charities to campaign for changes to the bill. The key successful outcomes are: Standards for how local authorities should act as a ‘corporate parent’ to support children in care and as they move into adult life. A requirement on local authorities to consult on and publish a ‘local offer’ to care leavers, setting out the services they… Read More