Exploring and supporting the identity of children and young people

Exploring and supporting the identity of children and young people in care is crucial for their emotional well-being and development, as it helps them build a strong sense of self, resilience and stability in their lives.  

The research, information and conversations that will be published and shared on the first day of Members’ Week reinforce this message. 

Access to records

Access to records is a complex area that requires the ongoing efforts of practitioners, campaigners, and policymakers to ensure there is greater clarity, consistency, and supported access for care-experienced and adopted people seeking to understand their personal histories, the decisions made about them, to revisit memories, and explore their identity and heritage.

Gender, race, and religion: exploring the identity of care experienced children and care leavers 

Ann Horne, CoramBAAF’s Kinship Consultant, is joined by researcher and academic, Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor. They talk about the theme of identity, with insights from Sariya’s research and her key findings from past and present projects. 

Complex identity: an intersectional framework for organisations, with Anthony Lynch

James Bury, CoramBAAF’s Head of Policy, Research and Development, is joined by Anthony Lynch as they tell us more about their research study which explores the intricate nature of identity by examining how various social categories—such as race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, and sexual orientation—intersect and shape individual experiences.

CoramVoice and Bright Spots 

CoramVoice work to amplify young voices in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.​ Here are some of their services: 

• Always Heard – the only national advocacy advice line providing direct advocacy and safety net support for children in care and leaving care​. 
• A National Voice (ANV) – the National Children in Care Council led by care-experienced people that brings together care-experienced children and young people across England to raise issues and influence government.​ 
• Bright Spots – their programme to improve the care system based on the views of children in care and care leavers, including the largest survey of their views and wellbeing in the UK.

Disability 

Coram Voice are experts in providing advocacy for children and young people who have disabilities and are in care, on the edge of care or are care leavers. Below we have shared how young people view disability, and how it can impact their day-to-day life: 

(Image: CoramVoice)