Members of the Access to Care Records Group were asked by the Department of Education to conduct some evidence based research into the issues for Information and Governance Departments of Local Authorities concerning the disclosure of Care Records to Care Leavers following the implementation of the Children’s Act Transitional Guidance published in 2014.
Between June and September 2015, we held some roundtables at various Local Authority invited venues, when we initially gave a talk, then played a film made about the experience of Care Leavers when accessing their care records, then held some workshops at which the views of delegates were sought.
Various issues arose for those attending from either the Information and Governance Departments of Local Authorities or Charities, as well as selected delegates from Social Services Departments.
The results were very interesting, and formed the basis of a Report written by Barnado’s entitled “It’s my journey: it’s my life, it’s my identity! Care Leavers and access to social care files”.
Thanks must go to not only the author of the report from the policy department of Barnado’s, but also the various firms of solicitors who allowed us to use their rooms free of charge to host the meetings all over the country.
The full report can be accessed in pdf form by clicking the link
