CARE experienced children, young people and care leavers are being encouraged to take part in a survey to share their experiences of care and how they feel about their lives as part of International Care Day.
To celebrate the day, which takes place this year on 16th February, events and activities are being held in Aberdeen, including the launch of the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) and Coram Voice ‘Bright Spots’ research programme.
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Aberdeen City Council Education and Children’s Services Committee convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “It is vital to listen to care experienced young people so that they can share their views on the services that they receive.
“Their opinions and feedback help us to improve the care that is provided to them. Our care-experienced young people have inspiring stories to tell. It’s good to hear about their amazing achievements.”
Through the ‘Bright Spots’ programme, the ‘Your Life, Your Care’ survey and Your Life Beyond Care Survey is distributed to children, young people and care leavers aged 4-25 addressing their experiences of care, their social worker, carers, friends, wellbeing, and their happiness to improve the support and services they receive.
Children and young people will have the opportunity to complete the survey in a private setting using a computer, tablet, smartphone or other device with internet access.
The survey is anonymised, and completion is not mandatory. Those who take part, however, will be supported by a trusted adult, usually a designated teacher, learning support worker, supervising social worker or other professional, to complete it.
The results from the survey will be used to produce a report that will help to improve the experiences of children and young people in care and ensure they are supported throughout their care journey.
International Care Day takes place each year on the third Friday of February and is the world’s biggest celebration of anyone who has been or is currently in care and to challenge the stigma that can be faced by the community.
