Thread by @IDickson258

1. ourcareoursay.wordpress.com Yesterday the "Our Care Our Say' survey to guide discussion between care experienced people of all ages about the care review was launched. It will shape an on line conversation to get the care family's thoughts "out there". I hope people support it.>

2. Just over a year ago, the @Careexpconf reports of the conversations between the care experienced community about change they wanted were published. They shouted loudly & clearly what was needed careexperiencedconference.com. it was ignored. >

3. Over decades, young people in care & care experienced people have patiently tried to share their views about care with power. Where their views didn't meet the agenda of the politicians, professionals & care sector leaders, they were quietly ignored >

4. Care experienced friends I respect tell me. "Why the f*?! do we need to ask what needs changing!? Everybody knows & have known for years, they just take no notice! We've seen research, documentaries, exposés, reports, etc before, many times over many years. Nothing happens."

4. As a lifelong Grinch, I agree with them at heart. But this greasy gov't offered to "review care" in its manifesto. Do I trust them, or believe they are sincere about reform? Of course not. But New Zealand & Scotland have shown what is possible, so we must make it happen.>

5. I think the gov't will seek to limit the review & manipulate the scope of a care review. Their record on transparency, inclusion, sharing, etc isn't encouraging. But whilst there is an open window, there is hope of light. We must press them very hard to make a review happen>

6. I think this govt will seek to define "care experienced"as kids currently in care in care settings or in receipt of statutory support up to 25 without reference to the wider impact beyond that age. We must not let them>

7. I hope all 'care experienced" people of all ages in all our diversity support the "Our Care Our Day" survey & positively engage with the coming Review. Don't just decide it is another waste of time & do nothing. That leaves those with power to decide for you>

7. I hope ALL care experienced people, who ever & wherever you are - in childrens homes, foster care, kinship care, adoption, at home, at university, in the forces, on the streets, in custody, health care, etc, etc, own their shared heritage & engage loudly & proudly. Speak up! >

8. Please care experienced family, complete the "Our Care Our Say" survey, but do more than that. You are a community half a million strong. Take an interest in the forthcoming care review & speak out, wherever or however you can. Don't let those in Westminster ignore you again.