STV documentary highlights what it's like to live in care in Scotland
Tonight (Tuesday 20 September) STV is broadcasting the documentary 'Who Cares'. Speaking to care-experienced youngsters, you'll hear first-hand about their journeys through the care system and what needs to change to help some of our more vulnerable youngsters.
CELCIS was pleased to contribute to the documentary by providing knowledge and insight into the care system in Scotland, directing the content and background needed to produce such a powerful documentary.
Some stark facts and figures about children in care include:
- 80% of children are in the care system due to abuse or neglect
- Although the total number of looked after children has reduced from the previous year, children ‘looked after at home’ are excluded from the figures
- 33% of Polmont HMYOI inmates were in care and 75% have experienced a traumatic bereavement
While the stats are vitally important, all too often it presents a bleak picture of terrible outcomes, the truth is much more complicated. We get the systems we build and invest in, and there's a lot of great practice currently happening and being shared in Scotland. Looked After Children are children, and our focus is on ensuring that if they’re in need of care, they get good care.
Key people from the sector talk in the documentary about why we need to recognise the issues for these young people and take action before it's too late. Duncan Dunlop of Who Cares? Scotland, Sara Laurie of The Fostering Network, Claire Lightowler of CYCJ and many others explain the urgent need for change.
Perhaps more importantly, the programme also includes the powerful and compelling stories of five care experienced people, including former SIRCC keynotes or workshop speakers Ashley Cameron, Harry O’Neil and Laura Beveridge. Ashley has blogged about her story being aired on national television.