Philanthropy for Children in Care

Over the past few years there has been an increasing spotlight on what some have called “The Silent Crisis”, referring to the crisis of children in care. 

Last year the children’s commissioner, Anne Longfield warned that the number of Looked After Children was “unsustainable” and highlighted the inadequate funding Local Authorities receive to treat the complex needs of these children. 

In the UK, the number of children in care is at a record high of 75,420. In England, there are 63 Looked After Children per 10,000 children, and for Scotland, the number is much higher at 144. 

Life experiences and outcomes for children in care are statistically significantly worse than children who are not looked after: 

● Care leavers are seven times more likely to die in early adulthood (aged 19–21) 

● Almost a quarter of care leavers become teenage parents, three times the national average 

● 40% of 19–21 year old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in 2016, compared with 14% of all 19–21 year olds 

● 45% of Looked After Children aged 5-17 had a mental health disorder, compared to 10% of the general population in 2017 

With lack of funding one of the most pressing issues, the charity NPC have published a report which shines a light on the key issues facing children in care and how philanthropic donations can make a positive impact. The report identifies the different levels at which this might take place. These are: 

1. Individual - organisations who work with Children in Care or care leavers at an individual level e.g. Place2Be which provides mental health support in schools

2. Communities - supporting  families and foster carers who work with Children in Care e.g. Cornerstone

3. Organisational - influencing the legal and care services available to children in care by promoting training for professionals such as social care workers or teachers

4. Societal - lobbying for policy change, campaigning to improve the care system, advocating on behalf of Looked After Children. E.g. Young Minds

At Equal Education, we provide personalised tuition for Looked After Children and children with SEND. The tutor plays a vital role as a trusted adult who can help the pupil engage in education, provide support improve attainment. We are a part of a network that includes health and social workers coming together to provide the comprehensive support that is needed to keep Looked After Children safe, healthy and in education.