Coram: Statement on the debate – should children be taken into care sooner?

Statement on the debate – should children be taken into care sooner?
08 September 2009 Renuka Jeyarajah-Dent, Director of Operations at Coram

It is high time that we put the needs of children first. We certainly share the view that for babies who cannot be looked after by their birth parents, that early adoption is the best solution. Of course the decision cannot be made lightly, but it must be made before subjecting children to a life without love and stability being moved from carer to carer.
It is not surprising that our society tends to shy away from taking children from their biological parents. We feel it is somehow unnatural. We must assess whether parents are able to change enough to parent their child safely. Where there is clear, solid evidence of abuse or neglect, we need to be much more willing to remove them from danger. And we need to attempt to do this at a much earlier stage in children’s lives.

Children who are adopted into loving families can have very positive happy lives and this is especially true when they are adopted at a young age. Later adoptions can also work but it is much more difficult for children who come into the care system when they are older. By then, they have suffered the effects of abuse and neglect which can meant that they may not believe in themselves or that anyone can care for them. They are often isolated and tend to behave badly or do poorly in school because learning requires the security that makes it OK to risk failure by trying new things.

There are children currently in the care system who should have been taken into care earlier but that is not to say this is straightforward. Taking a child away from parents is emotionally draining, especially when the alternatives also have risks. Making such decisions requires the skills of a variety of people working together. The right interventions to try to help parents cope and quick input ensures that the child gets the care and support needed even when parents are not coping.

Parenting itself is complex and can be difficult. People need support to help them to do it better. There is no doubt that a child is better with its family of origin as long as the care they provide is not only practical but also warm and appreciative of the child. It is this warmth that is so tied to positive results– to be loved helps us to go on to love.

Evidence that may alert a professional to evidence of children at risk is often contained in information about the success of past interventions. Good professional assessments require collection of the right information, analysis, case planning and review and then prompt decision-making.

For children to remain with their parents, the risks of removal need to be finely balanced with the possible dangers of remaining, and any change required of the parent has to be fast enough to cope with what the child’s development demands.

It is also important that, as a society, we recognise how incredibly vulnerable these children are and how it feels to be without a person who cares enough to fight for you – something that most children take for granted. We owe these children the care they deserve, and they deserve the best.

About Coram
Coram works with vulnerable children, young people and their families, transforming their lives through practical help and support. We aim to build self-esteem and well-being, preparing children and young people for a fulfilling adult life.
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