Thread by @RebekahPierre92

Under normal circumstances, I do my best to ignore the 20th Dec. Its the anniversary of when, as a 16-year-old in care, I was kicked out by my foster carer via a note on the kitchen table. I never really got over it. But in the wake of yesterday's shocking judgement depriving

Children aged 16/17 of the right to care in the "care system" (putting them at risk of being dumped in caravans/bedsits), I cannot help but reflect. Words cannot express how vulnerable & terrified I felt on that day. And how terribly ill-equipped I was to
article39.org.uk/2022/12/19/per…

Live a hostel with adults fresh out of prison, which is where I ended up shortly after. Like many children who suddenly find themselves without a home, I was traumatised. Navigating that, with no guarantee of daily meals, electricity or the ability to sleep due to nightly raves

Was more than anyone, adults let alone children, should have to bear. To the naysayers who claim these settings nurture 'independence', I wonder if how you'd feel about your daughter living in a filthy hostel during her A levels? I doubt you'd think a weekly cooking class, open

To both school-aged children, as well as adults peddling drugs in the corridors, would be a good enough foray into 'life skills?' The lack of humanity is shocking. That children are left in caravan parks to fend for themselves should be splashed across front pages everywhere.

Christmas is hard enough for children in care, & a known catalyst for placements to break down. Today I'm thinking not just of my own 20th Dec story, but of the many children who risk worse today due to draconian policies which put their lives at risk.

This battle may be lost but we must keep fighting. Please continue to put pressure on your MPs, local authorities & the government to #KeepCaringto18. It should be the bare minimum in a so-called developed country.

Deeply moved by the outpouring of support. If you have 5 mins to spare to stand up for children deprived of care, please:

📍Ask 16/17 year olds you know & love to do this survey: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JW7QN6F

📍Support @article_39 today

📍Urge your MP to sign EDM 1006

Thank you 🙏🏼