Listen up! Adult care leavers speak out : the views of 310 care leavers aged 17-78

Listen Up! Adult Care Leavers Speak Out is a ground-breaking report. Based on a survey of 310 care leavers aged from 17 to 78 that took place in the autumn of 2009, it brings together for the first time a range of data that begins to reveal the experiences of care leavers throughout the life-course. In doing so, it meets one of the central aims of the Care Leavers' Association (CLA) - to give a voice to the experience of those who may have spent months or years in care as children, whether public, voluntary or private. Being 'heard' is the first step to being understood - and understanding is the first step to ensuring that the lessons of past experience are not forgotten. In this regard, some of the messages in Listen Up! may not be what the reader expects

Looked after children and further education in Scotland : a briefing paper

The paper begins with a brief account of the Scottish education system and the further education college sector in particular. This account is set within the wider policy context of providing opportunities for some of the least academically qualified school leavers. The paper continues with an overview of looked after young people and care leavers and current policy, particularly as it relates to post-school opportunities. The remainder of the paper is allocated to a more detailed discussion of the research evidence in relation to the education of looked after young people and the importance of the further education sector in collaborating with schools and local authorities

Men, masculinity and mayhem: Research into the perceptions and ideals of boys and young men regarding sexual health, relationships and sex

This research was funded for a period of six months (October 2005 – March 2006) in light of the report entitled Mind the Gap: A sexual health needs assessment of young people aged 12 – 21 within Hull (Duncalf, 2005). Although this report raised many issues for further research a funding bid was placed with Hull Teenage Pregnancy Unit to focus on specific research with boys and young men. The aims and objectives of this research were: 1. To provide a report in which the participants’ information was central. 2. To explore the perceptions, ideals and needs of boys and young men regarding sexual health, relationships, personally and with professionals, and sex. 3. To explore the information and services available for boys and young men. 4. To provide appropriate and achievable recommendations to develop sexual health services

Supporting care leavers in Scottish further education colleges : a research account of a pilot programme aimed at supporting looked after young people and care leavers in further education colleges in Scotland

The aim of the research, conducted between August 2009 and June 2011, was to conduct an evaluation of a programme funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) which supported three pilot projects concerned with the engagement in further education (FE) provision of young people aged between 15 and 19 who are in local authority care (at home and away from home) or who have left care. The overall aim of the research was to identify clear lessons for the Council and for the Scottish FE college sector more generally, leading to improved participation by care leavers in post-school education

Time for "justice" : Research to inform the development of a human rights framework for the design and implementation of an "acknowledgement and accountability forum" on historic abuse of children in Scotland

In 2002, Chris Daly raised a petition to the Scottish Executive (PE535) calling for an independent inquiry into the historic abuse of children in Scotland. This led to the setting up of a reference group in 2003, in order to explore the role of a truth and reconciliation process that was identified as an important step in dealing with historic abuse. In 2004, there was an apology for such abuse by the then First Minister, Jack McConnell. In 2005, Tom Shaw led the Historic Abuse Systemic Review. This covered the period 1950 – 1995 and was completed in 2007. In 2006, a sub-group of the reference group that was set up in 2003 identified the need for a service for survivors. This led to the funding of ‘In Care Survivor Scotland’ in 2008, under the umbrella of ‘Open Secret’. It is important to see this current report in this context. Eight years on from the initial petition, it is clear that this process has been seen by many as a long road to acknowledging the need to address outstanding human rights issues in relation to the historic abuse of children in care in Scotland

Still Caring? Supporting Care Leavers in Scotland

This briefing paper outlines the legal, policy and practice positions for working with care leavers before going on to situate the importance of lived experiences of leaving care by young people and adult care leavers. We consider the gaps in provisions and the needs of care leavers up to the age of 25 as this is the age group suggested in the new Bill. We propose that there is an extension in legislation, policy and practice to support care leavers financially, practically and emotionally up to the age of 25 should they wish to receive this support

Research in residential units, care leaver's perspective

This paper discusses the care leaver's perspective on research in residential units. It was presented at a 2009 Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care meeting

Love in residential care

SIRCC academic and support staff together have collectively created a series of articles reflecting key aspects of practice from across the sector. The articles reflect many of the key issues raised by young people themselves about the services they receive. Our on-going commitment to listening and responding to the views and experiences of young people are reflected throughout this publication. You’ll see that the editors have included relevant quotes and photos from a range of policy documents, research papers and participation projects which have collated the voices of young people

Rethinking residential child care: positive perspectives

A review of Rethinking residential child care: positive perspectives by Mark Smith (2009). Bristol: The Policy Press

Mind the gap: research into the sexual health needs of young people aged 12 - 21 within the Hull area

This research was initially funded in April 2003 for one year but this was then extended until March 2005. The aims and objectives of the research were to find out and explore the sexual health needs, experiences and knowledge of young people aged 12 – 21 within designated areas of Hull – Boothferry Estate, North Hull, North Bransholme, The Quadrant and other under funded or poorly accessed areas of East, West and North Hull. We asked 13 service providers through interviews and a total of 518 young people through questionnaires (328 young people) and interviews (190 young people) their views on sex, sexual health and sexual health services and provisions within their area