The Children of Looked After Children
Outcomes, Experiences and Ensuring Meaningful Support to Young Parents In and Leaving Care
By Louise Roberts
Published
Mar 24, 2021Page count
172 pagesISBN
978-1447354291Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Mar 24, 2021Page count
172 pagesISBN
978-1447354307Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
The Children of Looked After Children
EPDF and EPUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. Based on groundbreaking original research, this book provides a comprehensive account of the issues surrounding pregnancy and parenthood for young people in and leaving care.
Featuring the voices of care-experienced parents, together with reflections from practitioners, it offers valuable insights into the issues facing this group. Using qualitative data to explore why parenthood is such an important issue for young people in and leaving care, this book shows what can be learned from their experiences in order to improve outcomes for parents and children in the future.
The author highlights the practical and emotional needs of care-experienced parents and gives clear advice for practitioners on how these needs might be better addressed through summary points, practice guidance and recommendations for policy and practice.
"Brings to light the experience of parenting whilst having to navigate the care system or leaving care services, providing insight into what constitutes effective practice and meaningful support." Caroline Cresswell, University of Oxford
“This heartfelt plea to provide better support for care-experienced young parents is based on solid research and the powerful testimonies of young people, many of whom have had their children removed. It should be essential reading for all 'corporate parents'.” June Statham, UCL Institute of Education
“This revealing book engages intimately with the hidden voice of young parents and asks compelling questions of policy and practice. A highly significant contribution to the field.” Andrew Pithouse, Cardiff University
Louise Roberts is Lecturer in Social Work at Cardiff University.
Introduction
Early pregnancy risk and missed opportunities to plan for parenthood
Outcomes for parents in and leaving care: parenting ‘success’ and corporate parenting failure
Professional perspectives: assessing parenting potential and managing dual responsibilities
The experiences of parents: hopes, anxieties and reflections
Responding to diverse needs: support availability, sustainability and acceptability
Conclusion: If this were my child
