A Place to Call Home: Action for Children's Urgent Call to Reform UK Care System

"You get so much taken away from you when you're in care. You're taken out of your family home, and everything's different. Everything you do, everything you say, everywhere you go is written down. You feel like an animal in the zoo," says Emrys, a young ambassador for Action for Children.

This powerful statement encapsulates the urgent need for reform in the UK's care system, which Action for Children is addressing with its new campaign, 'A Place to Call Home'. Launched yesterday, the campaign calls on UK governments to invest in good quality homes for children in care and improve the recruitment and retention of carers.

The campaign comes at a critical time. According to recent data from the UK government, the number of children in care has reached a record high. This translates to one child entering care every 15 minutes, as highlighted by Alice Woudhuysen, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at Action for Children.

The shortage of suitable homes for these children is alarming. Alice explains, "There aren't enough homes. The homes that do exist are in the wrong places and they're not always suitable for children. We know that this isn't good enough."

The campaign's research reveals distressing statistics about the experiences of care-experienced adults in the UK. More than nine in ten adults surveyed who had been in care as a child reported feeling lonely and isolated while in care, with nearly a quarter feeling very lonely and isolated. These findings underscore the urgent need for reform to ensure that children in care receive the love, stability, and support they need.

The UK government has recognised the issues within the care system, conducting reviews across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However, Action for Children argues that progress has been too slow. The campaign urges immediate action to address the growing crisis, calling for increased investment in high-quality homes and improved strategies for carer recruitment and retention.

A key aspect of the campaign is its focus on amplifying the voices of care-experienced individuals. As part of the launch event, a model house was constructed and decorated with quotes from children and adults who have been through the care system. These powerful testimonials highlight what 'home' truly means to them – love, stability, safety and a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on the campaign's importance, Emrys adds, "It's to raise awareness of what the care system isn't doing great at and what could be done better. It's to highlight what it should be doing better and raise awareness of all the different experiences in care."

The campaign also addresses the transition out of care, a critical period often overlooked. With government statistics showing that care leavers are significantly more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues compared to their peers, Action for Children stresses the need for continued support beyond the age of 18.

As the number of children in care continues to rise, 'A Place to Call Home' serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a safe, loving, and stable home. It challenges us to reimagine a care system that truly puts children's needs at its heart, transforming houses into homes and giving vulnerable young people the foundation they need to thrive.