Thread by @robin_23_99

1/ This thread is a shorter version of a much longer guest blog I have written about the #KeepCaringTo18 campaign on @SWConcern's blog page here: socialwhatnow.medium.com/guest-blog-by-…

2/ The campaign’s fighting to get the Government to guarantee care for all under 18-year olds in state care in England. Under Government proposals to regulate currently unregulated accommodation, 16- and 17-year-olds will have no right to receive care.

3/ This is despite the state’s responsibilities to promote the welfare of children in care. The Government’s proposals will create a legal nonsense that some 16- and 17-year-olds in state ‘care’ will not be entitled to receive day-to-day care.

4/ The Review of Children’s Social Care has said it supports the Government’s proposals…..while also bemoaning the fact that the ‘state is not a pushy parent’ and that there are ‘poor outcomes’ for care leavers. This position lacks consistency and integrity.

5/ The core reason behind the Government’s proposal is cost, in the context of a broken market of placement provision for children in care. 16- and 17-year-olds in care should not be paying the price of Government failures in allowing this broken market to develop.

6/ The Government needs to address the gaps in current placement provision for 16- and 17-year-olds in care, while ensuring their rights to care are protected and promoted.

7/ If we do not oppose this move to undermine the rights of young people in care, we are complicit in it. The Government can still do the right thing by ensuring all 16- and 17-year-olds have a right to care while they are still in care.

8/ Meanwhile, children's rights charity, @article_39 has applied to the High Court for a judicial review.

There are two core asks for supporters of this campaign:

9/9
- Sign the @TogetherTrust 's petition or ask others to do so if you have already: secure.togethertrust.org.uk/uk-government-…
- Consider pledging a donation to support @article_39 ‘s legal action: crowdjustice.com/case/care-for-…