Every Child Deserves to Be Seen: Understanding Care-Experienced Children

Every child deserves to be seen for who they are, not where they’ve come from. However, for children in care and care leavers, society often sees the label before the person. And that label carries weight, heavy, uninvited, and deeply unfair.

More Than a Statistic

There are over 107,000 children in care in the UK. Behind every number is a child with a story of loss, resilience, trauma, and hope. However, care-experienced children are frequently spoken about in ways that reduce them to stereotypes. They are labeled “difficult,” “challenging,” “troubled,” or worse, “damaged.” These labels create a lens through which others view them—teachers, peers, employers, and even professionals meant to support them.

We sometimes forget that children do not enter care because of something they’ve done wrong. They go into care because of what’s been done to them.

The Power of Language

Words matter greatly. The language we use shapes identity, expectations, and self-worth. When society attaches stigma to being in care, children internalize it. A young person may begin to believe they are destined to fail, struggle, or be “less than” their peers. This mindset can lead to self-limiting beliefs, isolation, and low self-esteem. For many care leavers, these messages echo well into adulthood.

Imagine being a teenager and hearing a teacher sigh, “Well, you know they’re in care,” as though it explains away behavior or predicts poor outcomes. Or consider filling out a college application form and hesitating to tick the “care leaver” box due to the assumptions that might follow.

Stigma Has Consequences

The effects of stigma are not just emotional; they are structural. Children in care face a higher likelihood of school exclusions, overrepresentation in mental health services, housing instability, and contact with the criminal justice system. These are not mere coincidences. They reflect a society that too often treats care-experienced children as problems to manage rather than individuals to nurture.

Stigma fuels this cycle. It influences policy, practice, and perception while eroding opportunities before they are even offered.

Rewriting the Narrative

So, how do we change this? It starts with us.

• Challenge stereotypes. When you hear someone make assumptions about children in care, question it. Call it out.

• Use person-first language. Say “child in care” instead of “looked after kid.” Better yet, just say “child” or use their name.

• Create safe spaces. In schools, workplaces, and communities, let young people know they are more than their labels.

• Listen to lived experiences. Care-experienced individuals are the experts in their own lives. Their voices should shape the systems built to support them.

  
  

Hope Beyond the Label

Care-experienced children and young people are artists, leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and change-makers. They are not “less than.” They are more than. More than resilient, they are insightful. More than survivors, they are contributors. When we strip away the stigma, we see what was always there—potential, strength, and heart.

Understanding Their Journeys

Care leavers often navigate complex journeys. They face unique challenges but also possess strength that can inspire others. It's essential to recognize their resilience and offer support. This includes:

• Providing resources and networks.

• Encouraging mentorship programs.

• Ensuring access to emotional and mental health support.

  
  

Taking Action Together

Let us not ask what's wrong with children in care. Instead, let us inquire about what has happened, what is missing, and how we can walk alongside them without judgment.

Because every child, regardless of their journey, deserves to grow up without the weight of a label that was never theirs to carry. Let us advocate for a society that sees the individual—not just a statistic or a stereotype. Together, we can help them thrive.

In a world where they can shine, we can all work towards breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. This change starts with each of us being mindful of how we speak about and treat children in care.