Childline counsels more than 3000 children in care

One in 26 looked after children contact ChildLine about failings and weaknesses in the care system, a new ChildLine report reveals.

The report calls on local authorities to ensure looked after children always have an adult to speak up for them when they need help. At present, children only have a right to an 'advocate' if they want to make a formal complaint about their care.

In all, 3,196 looked after children - some as young as five - contacted ChildLine over 2009-10 with problems about being in care. Many were suffering physical and sexual abuse and neglect and felt lost and helpless in the care system.
Over the last five years, the number of 'looked after children' contacting ChildLine has increased by over 30 per cent.

Some children were deeply unsettled and traumatised after being moved several times a year, some as many as 15 times. Others complained of emotionally abusive or uncaring carers and being bullied by other children. Many looked after children had to be counselled about self-harming or running away. They talked about being 'sick of life' and wanting to 'give up and die'.

If you think that a child or baby is in danger, the NSPCC Helpline is available 24-hours a day. The service is totally anonymous and the only details that are taken are those that will help us identify the child. By contacting us we can decide the right course of action and ensure that the child receives the best possible help.

Further reading

Press release: Childline counsels more than 3000 children in care
Helping children through ChildLine