The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant challenges for young people leaving care, highlighting gaps in support, financial hardship, and increased isolation.

This session introduces the Contextual Safeguarding approach developed by Dr Carlene Firmin, which challenges traditional child protection models that focus primarily on parenting capacity and home environments. Drawing on research from two local authorities, the session highlights how many risks to young people occur outside the family — in schools, peer groups, transport hubs and community spaces. It examines whether social workers have the capacity to assess and intervene not only with families but also with the wider contexts and relationships that shape young people’s lives. The session emphasises the need for a broader safeguarding network involving professionals and community members, including those working in public spaces, to create safer environments and more effective protection for young people facing extra-familial harm.

Senior leaders reveal how austerity has reshaped children’s social care, increasing pressure on services, weakening leadership capacity and impacting outcomes for children in care.

Research reveals that parents and young people often feel unheard, intimidated and ill‑prepared in child protection conferences, limiting meaningful participation and trust in the process.

Research finds that many looked‑after children and young people struggle to meaningfully participate in their Child in Care Reviews due to confusion, poor relationships and organisational barriers.

Research shows many looked-after young people feel sidelined and stressed in Child in Care Reviews, with participation often limited by poor relationships and process barriers.