This week’s episode of Kids on Channel 4 highlighted the work in the city to look after children not just when they are in care, but also after they have left.
The programme looked at work in children’s homes in the city, foster carers and the Lifelong Links programme, which is aimed at establishing strong long-lasting relationships between young people and those who matter most to them.
Those links are invaluable when young people leave care, and still need the love and support of adults they can turn to for advice.
The Council also runs a ‘Staying Close’ programme which aims to support young people leaving care from residential children’s homes and give them the same support and opportunities as those who are able to remain in foster care. It supports care leavers until they reach the age of 21.
Viewers saw some of that work in this week’s episode, which looked at two young people preparing to take the next step in their lives.
Bayley is turning 18 and about to leave her children's home for good, and Byron was shown as he prepares to strike out on his own away from his foster carers.
The episode is part of a three-part series on Channel 4 taking a close-up look at teenagers and their families in the care system in Coventry – and those working to help and support them.
Angela Whitrick, Strategic Lead for Looked after Children (Corporate Parenting), at Coventry City Council, said she felt so proud at seeing the episode.
She said: “I remember meeting Expectations TV a few years ago, when the idea was first suggested that we could capture and share the voice of children in care, including those who live with foster carers and in a children’s home, in a documentary!
“Fast forward….. and following lots of hard work and challenges, but with resilience from everyone involved to see it through, KIDS is on Channel 4!
“I’m so proud of the young people in this documentary, who have bravely shared an insight into their life in and leaving care. I feel privileged to have worked with some of them and with the colleagues and carers who have supported the young people on their journey and continue to do so.
“This week’s episode really shone a light on the importance of relationships for young people with their carers and those they may identify through Lifelong Links.
“In Coventry, we are fortunate to have amazing foster carers, many of whom carry on supporting children through to adulthood, and our children’s homes continue to work with young people when they move on through ‘Staying Close’ and as and when they reach out to the people who are important to them.
“I spent many years working with young people in children’s homes and am still in contact with some of them who have gone on to become parents themselves and have achieved amazing things.
“In a perfect world, no children would need to be in care, but, as KIDS highlights, for some it has provided them with safety and stability, enabling them to build trusting meaningful relationships with carers and to become the incredible young people that they are.”
If you are inspired to get involved in caring for the city’s children and young people, the Council is always looking for more carers to care for those who aren’t able to live with their families. It can be challenging, but very rewarding.
The city is also set to open more children’s homes, so will be recruiting residential children’s workers and the Council welcomes enquiries from anyone interested. You can learn more about becoming a foster carer at www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering
The Council is hosting an Open Evening for Social Workers at the Council House on Thursday 25 May, from 4pm to 8pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with individuals featured in the TV show, discover more about Coventry, our current initiatives, and the fantastic opportunities available to join our exceptional team. Why not attend and find out more? Kindly complete a brief form to let organisers know you’ll be there.
The programme concludes next Wednesday, with a look at Havana, who is seeking information on her birth father, and Kane who is questioning why he went into care. Episodes are also available on catch-up.
You can see more about the series and the Council’s work in caring for children and young people at www.coventry.gov.uk/kids