The space between.
I’ve called this short article ‘The space between’. This is
simply because that's how I believe many children who leave care feel - sort of
"not quite here and not quite there" - lost in the space between.
It’s a state of personal limbo -wanting to belong and wanting to share, but
unable to belong because quite simply you don't feel that you have a lot to
share. Whether that’s actually true or not, it was true in my case, but then I
spent a great deal of time in care being me
Upon leaving care I felt full of anticipation and excitement
mixed with a feeling of what is best described as fear a fear of the unknown,
of a future that includes only me with no offers of support or certainties of a
safety net if I fail. My head swims with questions: What's going on out there?
Is it easy? Am I going to be on my own to fend for myself?
Years later, I can now answer those questions. Firstly, no
it isn't easy. Secondly, yes you’re on
your own and you will be expected to care for yourself. In fact, you will have
to care for yourself, because you will face very serious difficulties if you
don’t.
When I came out of care in 1970 I was able to simply walk
out of one job and into another in the same week! In those days, it was quite
simply that easy to get a job. Nowadays though, I'm not sure I could cope. Kids
leaving care now almost certainly won't walk into a job. They will certainly
struggle to get and pay for a roof over their heads too. It's hard, very hard
and that’s why it is simply wrong to put children out onto the streets to fend
for themselves at 16+ after being in care. It's quite simply wrong and in my
personal opinion with government cutbacks and such its borderline criminal.
Why would you invest a great deal of time and money on
children and young people in care protecting them from abuse and untold horrors
only to throw all of that away by not giving them a chance? Not giving them
that few extra years – at least until they’re 21 years old or, as the
Children’s Commissioner recommended, 25 years old? These kids can and I believe
will be a great bonus to society if only they're given that chance – A few more
years of stability, emotional and practical support, education and training. Just
those few extra years….
There's my case for extending residential care to the age of
at least 21 but even better 25. So please sign our ECLCM petition to help make
that change for thousands of children. Give them the chance that most of you
probably had and the same chance you will want to give to your own children.
After all, its only
fair don't you think?
Thank you.
Kev Edwards.
