Webinar Overview:

Despite ongoing reform efforts, care experienced young people continue to face disproportionate challenges across housing, education, health, and the justice system. Too often, their voices are left out of conversations that directly affect them.

This powerful and reflective webinar centres the lived experiences of young people who have been in care, alongside insights from practitioners, researchers, and policy experts. It explores the systemic barriers care experienced young people encounter—and what must change to ensure they receive the support, respect and opportunities they deserve.

Participants will hear directly from young people about their experiences navigating care and transitioning to independence, while also examining the role of corporate parenting, trauma-informed practice, and the impact of stigma.

Ideal for:

• Social workers and looked-after children teams
• Education and virtual school staff
• Youth offending, probation and resettlement teams
• Leaving care and supported accommodation providers
• Local authority leaders and corporate parenting boards
• Health and mental health practitioners working with young people
• Advocacy and participation workers
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the systemic and emotional impact of the care system
• Listening to care experienced young people and embedding their voice in service design
• Examining the inequalities in housing, education, mental health and justice
• Exploring good practice in leaving care and post-18 transitions
• The role of trauma, identity, and belonging in shaping life outcomes
  
  

Additional Benefits:

• Challenge unconscious bias and assumptions about children in care
• Explore co-production, participation, and rights-based approaches
• Gain insight into effective multi-agency working and long-term support planning
  
  

This webinar is essential for professionals committed to improving outcomes, wellbeing and justice for care experienced young people, and ensuring the care system is one of support—not survival.