Care Inquiry 2013

In 2013 Family Rights Group and seven other leading children’s charities conducted an inquiry into what worked best in securing permanence – including greater stability and a positive sense of identity and belonging – for children in, and on the edge of, care.

Over 200 people took part in the inquiry sessions, and discussion groups were organised across the UK with young people with different experiences of care.

A key finding of the Inquiry was that when children in care move – which they do too often – important relationships are needlessly broken and lost, including relationships with their siblings.

Robert Tapsfield, chair of the Care Inquiry steering group, said: “The work of the Inquiry left us in no doubt that the care system continues to fail too many children, and that tackling this problem is increasingly urgent and requires a fresh approach”.

• Care Inquiry report ‘Making not Breaking’: Building relationships for our most vulnerable children
• Report setting out the views and recommendations of children and young people involved In the Care Inquiry
• Understanding Permanence for Looked After Children: a review of research for the Care Inquiry, April 2013 by Janet Boddy