Let’s do it for children and young people

Bury welcomed Josh McAlister to speak to an audience of care experienced young people, foster carers and staff.

Josh was commissioned by the Government to write an Independent Review into children’s social care, and his report was published earlier this year: see https://childrenssocialcare.independent-review.uk/

He was invited to Bury by Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, to speak about his recommendations to the Government about reforming social care.

Cllr Smith said: “We haven’t always got children’s services in Bury right, but this is starting to change. It is important that, as we progress along our improvement journey, we understand the wider context and national challenges. The biggest one we have is recruitment of social workers: but, by adopting some of Josh’s examples of best practice, this is already starting to change.

“The introduction of the Hertfordshire family safeguarding model across our borough will transform our services and families’ experiences of support. Working in a multi-disciplinary way delivers better outcomes for children and also supports professionals and develops them too.”

The meeting, held at the New Kershaw Centre in Bury, is one of a number of events held this year, both for staff and children and young people.

Mr McAlister said: “I was delighted to be with the Bury children’s services team and meet social workers, foster carers and young people from across the borough. I got to hear more about their work to improve services in the future. There is a lot of links between what the team plan to do in Bury and what my review sets out needs to change across the care system. Children’s social care works with some of the most needy children and families in society and if we can get it right for them we can get it right for the country."

Bryan Holland, from Bury Foster Carers Association, said: “We do not foster for the money, and under new management Bury are now really listening to us.

“Now is a really good time to Foster For Bury, and Bury have the chance to lead the way and make massive changes to children and young people in care. We at the FCA are confident Bury will use this opportunity to make things better.”

Cllr Smith added: “It is crucial that we all understand the challenges we face so we can ensure we get the right answers, attract the right talent and most importantly deliver great results for children in Bury.”

Case studies:

A number of young people who have been through the care system took the opportunity to speak with Josh on his visit.

Hamza Jaweed is 22 years old. He entered care in Bury relatively late in life, at 16, and left at 18.

He is now in his final year studying Law at the University of Manchester, and is working in Bury Council’s legal services as a legal intern. He is a care leaver advocate on the Corporate Parenting Board, which he co-chairs with Cllr Smith, and sits on the Care Leavers Forum working with senior professionals across Bury’s Children Services, implementing and proposing new policies for all our care leavers.

“Going forward, we are working on a young people’s housing action plan and we have progressed with changes in policy regarding EET schemes and so much more,” he said.

“It is my dream to pursue a career at the bar. I want to specialise in family law, and champion on behalf of children and young people entering the system, and assist in reforms both locally and across Greater Manchester and become a legal powerhouse on a national level.

“I believe that the injustice faced by those in the care system is one of the biggest civil rights issues of our time. Meeting Josh has given me the assurances that the Government will be responding to the review, and ensuring the reforms proposed shall be met.

“This is the beginning of a paradigm shift for all. This is our future, and it should not be so difficult for care leavers to overcome barriers such as homelessness and excelling in higher education. I want all care leavers to thrive - someone’s upbringing and life circumstances as a child should not disadvantage them later in life. I have managed to come out the other end – only 1% of care leavers access HE at high tariff universities do, and I am fortunate to be one of them. I am sure Josh will see this through and start one of the biggest civil rights movements in the UK for our children, our future and some of the best minds that are yet to come.”

Bee Lowe is a member of both the Children in Care Council (CICC) and the Care Leavers' Forum (CLF), as well as being a care-experienced young person.

“Josh McAlister’s visit was an enlightening experience and I feel bolstered with a sense of hope, as well as a positive eye to the future of the service,” he said. “As well as a run-through of matters brought up in his report, opening himself up to questions was an effective way to develop an understanding of Josh's rationale and thought process.

“I was given the chance to speak at the event - for which I'm very grateful - during which I took the opportunity (with the help of fellow representatives) to bring to the attention of Josh, and various members of the service, important matters that have consistently been brought up by care-experienced young people as issues, suggestions, and ideas. I, and others, have found this to be a valuable opportunity that could act as a catalyst for positive change in the future.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 21 December 2022.

Picture: Hamza Jaweed and Bee Lowe meet Josh McAlister during his visit to Bury.