Wales commits to reforming care services for children and young people

Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has signed a declaration committing to the reform of care services for children and young people.

The declaration has been developed by care-experienced children and young people and ministers and commits the Welsh Government to deliver a wide range of changes to the current care system, to enable a ‘children first’ approach and to make sure that everything is done to help children and families stay together.

The Welsh Government has committed to reducing the number of children and young people entering care and for those children who are in care, it wants them to remain close to home so they can continue to be part of their community.

The declaration was developed by a team of young ambassadors from Voices from Care Cymru and Welsh Ministers following the first ever summit for children and young people in care and care leavers in Wales, which was held last year.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "This declaration is a true collaboration between children and young people and the Welsh Government.

"We have committed to radical reform of care services for children and young people and this declaration will provide the blueprint for that work.

"We have listened to what the young ambassadors have told us about their experiences and that of other care-experienced children and young people.

"Together we have developed this vision, which I am proud to put my name to as the First Minister of Wales."

Paris A’Herne, a young ambassador who helped to develop the declaration, said: "When we met ministers in December at the summit, we felt they really listened to us.

"They know that while some young people have a really positive experience in care, too many are still let down.

"We know it will take time to deliver on everything we have agreed with ministers in this declaration, but we really believe that this time change is going to come."

Rhian Thomas, who co-chaired last year’s summit and is also a young ambassador said: "The discussions we had with ministers at the summit were based not only on our own experiences but also on those of many other care-experienced young people.

"We want to make sure all children in the care system have the best possible experience, wherever in Wales they live."

"We’re looking forward to working with ministers and their teams – and everyone in Wales who provides services for care-experienced children and young people – to deliver on the declaration."

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