Children in Care: Illegal Accommodation

Lord Bird Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord, particularly for focusing on outcomes. That is the issue we face: too many young people who go through the care system do not have good outcomes, and we absolutely must address this. I welcome his highlighting the innovative approaches to providing supportive family environments for young people, giving them the stability and support they need. I absolutely support his request.

[Lord Bird (CB)]

Does the Minister agree that care is often the only time when a lot of people who come from disturbed family lives can get their hands on some social mobility? I would like the Minister to up the idea that care is a great contributor to social justice.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Lord touches on a very important and sensitive issue. Too often, young people are labelled by what happens to them. It is critical that, where we get the opportunity to engage with young people, we bring together their peer group to give support, along with all the other agencies that can offer help and guidance and steer them on their way forward. I absolutely agree that social justice should be at the heart of everything we do in this place.