The number of children in care in Wales was 6,407 on 31 March 2018, an increase of 8% on the previous year. Children and young people in care and care leavers are recognised as a marginalised group and their trajectories are often characterised by early experiences of bereavement, family difficulties, childhood adversity, instability and placement moves, labelling, difficult relationships with teachers and social workers, low academic attainment, unemployment, poor mental health, drug and alcohol issues and homelessness.

In response to these issues, the Welsh Government commissioned a study that was carried out by the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE). CASCADE has since worked with the Welsh Government in developing an online community of practice resource to improve the educational experiences of children and young people who are care experienced in Wales ExChange: Care and Education. These resources provide practitioners, foster carers, teachers, researchers, and care-experienced children and young people with a helpful ‘one-stop-shop’ for information relating to improving outcomes in care and education. The resources include films, posters and more. We are always looking to host more resources and if you would like to contribute please get in touch with us.

#MessagesToSchools film

Thrive magazine

Care-experienced posters