Exciting opportunity for care experienced young people

Dear Colleagues,

Exciting Opportunity for care experienced young people to share their views with the new Children’s Minister – please share widely

This summer, a new government was elected, and with it, new leaders are setting plans for the future. Our new Children’s Minister is Janet Daby.

NIROMP have continued to collaborate with the National Children in Care Council (A National Voice). Together, we still want to make certain that young people with care experience are heard. Their voices should contribute significantly to plans about how to improve the care system.

NIROMP and similar groups contributed to the former Conservative government’s Stable Homes, Built on Love policy document. The policy came in response to recommendations made two years ago in Josh MacAlister’s Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.

During that time, children and young people shared their thoughts and ideas on what would make care better. A National Voice has produced this report from the feedback gathered. Now, with a new Children’s Minister in charge, they have reached out to NIROMP. This is part of shared efforts to keep this important conversation about children’s voices going.

A National Voice has contacted the new Children’s Minister Janet Daby. She expressed her eagerness to hear from care experienced children and young people about their priorities. She assured them, ‘I want you to know that your voices will be heard by this government. We are listening.’ Our shared mission is for all children to grow up in a safe and loving home.

To keep the conversation going, the plan is to send a letter to the new Children’s Minister. It will share the thoughts, feelings, and ideas of children and young people in care across the country.

This is a great opportunity for care experienced young people. They can share what they think the new Children’s Minister should do first to improve children’s social care. We are keen to do everything to support them in having their voices heard.

We are calling on NIROMP regional groups to help spread the word. Independent reviewing officers (IROs) should talk to their young people. They should also speak with their supporters about this exciting opportunity. Please reach out to your children in care council too.

Young people can share views individually, via their children in care council or similar group.

We want young people with care experience to share their views. Which areas do they think the minister should focus on first and why these are important? They can share any other ideas about what else they’d like to see kept, changed or done differently too. All thoughts and ideas welcome.

1. Share your views using this online form (can be completed by individual young people or as a group).

OR

2. Download this activity sheet that can guide an interactive session to help share views.

Views and ideas need to be in by Friday, 20 December 2024. Once responses have been gathered, A National Voice will put them all together and send them to the Children’s Minister.

NIROMP will share news of the final letter once released and for onward sharing with young people.

With thanks so much for your support. Please do everything you can to help spread the word.

Best wishes,

Sharon Martin, Chair | NIROMP (National IRO Managers Partnership) | www.niromp.org