Elevating voices: A look into care experienced perspectives on social care research

Shayda Kashef spoke to three care experienced young people about a soon-to-be-published report that reveals insights on the experiences of growing up in care. In this blog she shares some of their perspectives.  

In ADR UK, our work revolves around uncovering actionable insights through administrative data to shape policy and improve lives. As part of the journey in launching a report on the experiences of children and young people in care, I had the privilege of hearing directly from three care experienced young people from the Drive Forward Foundation. This charity supports young adults leaving foster or residential care helping them to thrive.  

The discussion was a place for the young people to speak freely about their experiences and the concerns for current young people in care. We discussed their views on the report and whom they believe should read it. The insights of the young people I spoke to were profound, reminding us of the real-world impact of research and policy.  

The knock-on effects of system gaps 

Our conversation revealed some of the key issues that affect young people leaving care, including some challenges in supporting wellbeing and livelihood across a person’s life cycle. 

Jasmine, one of the young people we spoke to, highlighted a recurring and troubling theme: the lack of mental health support for children in and leaving care. “I didn’t have that support while in care or coming out of care,” she shared, noting the impact this had on her ability to work. The long waits for services and the lack of understanding about mental health are barriers that leave young people feeling isolated at critical moments.   

Housing emerged as another critical issue leaving care, particularly the affordability and conditions of semi-independent living arrangements. Kara explained the harsh reality for care leavers, many of whom are trapped in cycles of poverty due to systemic flaws in the welfare system. “Some places are £1,700 for a small room in London. It’s not dignified and it’s exploitative,” she said. The young people explained these costs often mean care leavers are dependent on Universal Credit, which struggles to cover even basic living expenses, let alone provide stability.   

This leads to difficult choices. Will Kerridge, Political Engagement and Policy Manager from Drive Forward, noted that many young people face a “calculator moment,” trying to decide between pursuing employment or receiving social benefits given how employment can make them worse off financially when factoring in travel and living costs.   

Another striking issue is the systemic gap in support once care leavers turn 25. Kadiatu reflected on this age cutoff as an arbitrary end to assistance, pointing out that most young people without care experience are still supported by their families well past their mid-20s. “Would you do this to your own child?” she asked, underlining the unfairness of expecting independence from those who have often endured the toughest childhoods. The extra battles care leavers face with social services—even when trying to improve their lives—compound these challenges. Inconsistent offers from local authorities mean care leavers are constantly advocating for themselves to ensure they do not fall through the gaps. 

Kadiatu also lamented the loss of spaces like youth clubs, which were once safe havens offering life skills and community support. Their absence, she believes, contributes to rising youth criminalisation.   

Shifting perspectives and policy gaps  

Despite the challenges, there was appreciation for the insights in the report on the experiences of children and young people in care, particularly its division into pre-care, during care, and post-care stages. “I like the way they’ve spread out the report,” Kadiatu remarked, emphasising how critical it is for policymakers to understand the continuity of care and the need for tailored interventions at each stage.   

Both Kara and Will stressed the importance of involving care experienced voices in research. “As long as there’s change, I’m happy,” Kara said, expressing a desire for more visibility of these stories and the data that supports them.   

What emerged clearly from this meeting is the need for systemic change that reflects the lived experiences of care experienced young people. Whether it’s ensuring equitable access to mental health resources, rethinking housing policies, or extending post-25 support, the message was clear: the system must evolve to act as a true corporate parent.   

This sentiment aligns with Will’s poignant observation: “We have young people who have experienced some of the toughest childhoods, and they’re expected to be independent at 18, while most people their age aren’t.”   

Looking ahead: From data to change  

While the care system provides crucial support for children who cannot be cared for by their parents, there is a UK-wide consensus that more needs to be done to help these children flourish. The report, which will be published in February - for the first time brings together insights from across the UK from care experienced children and young people, a seldom heard group in research. 

As ADR UK, prepares to release this report in partnership with the National Centre for Social Research,we hope that it will serve as an example of how data is not just a collection of information but a catalyst for meaningful action. Our conversation with the Drive Forward Forum reinforced the power of administrative data to shine a light on systemic issues while amplifying the voices of those most affected.   

We thank Jasmine, Kara, and Kadiatu for their honesty, courage, and willingness to share their experiences. Their perspectives will not only enrich our report but will also serve as a call to further support the wellbeing care experienced individuals.   

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Shayda Kashef is the Senior Public Engagement Manager at ADR UK. The report will be launched in an online event on the 13 February. Find out more and register.