CoramVoice, as part of its Bright Spots programme, has published the largest study of its kind measuring the subjective wellbeing of 2,263 looked after children and young people across 16 local authority areas. The study found that:
- 83% of those surveyed felt that being in care has improved their lives
- The longer children and young people have spent in care, the more likely they are to have moderate to high levels of wellbeing
- Of the youngest children surveyed (4-7 year olds), over half (53%) thought it not had been fully explained to them why they were in care, and almost a quarter (23%) were unsure of who their social worker was
- Almost a fifth (19%) of 8-10 year olds do not feel listened to or included in decisions made about them.
Further information about ‘Our Lives, Our Care’ and a link to the full report are on the Coram Voice website here.