A creative exploration of Children in Care Councils during the 2020-2021 Covid-19 pandemic
Dr Clive Diaz, Dr Andrew Fletcher, Dr Heather Yoeli , Dr Delyth Edwards, Hannah Campion, Gloria Raine, Lucy Ridley, Mary Robson, Dawn Williams, Jenny Young
Summary
The Compass Project explored the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Children in Care Councils (CiCCs) in England, highlighting shifts in participation and decision-making processes. The study, conducted using participatory and creative methods, found that while online meetings enabled continuity, they also led to challenges such as Zoom fatigue, reduced recruitment, and weaker connections with Corporate Parenting Panels (CPPs). Despite these difficulties, CiCCs played a crucial role in supporting the mental health and well-being of care-experienced young people, offering social connections, advocacy opportunities, and a sense of belonging. However, the research also identified inconsistencies in how Local Authorities supported CiCCs, with some councils discontinuing meetings entirely while others adapted creatively to maintain engagement.
Key recommendations from the study emphasize the need for hybrid meeting formats, greater integration of CiCCs with senior decision-makers, and more structured support at both strategic and operational levels. Young people advocated for mental health check-ins, clearer guidelines on CiCC roles, and more opportunities to influence policy. Additionally, the study called for a nationwide framework to share best practices and ensure CiCCs remain effective and consistent across different regions. The findings underscore the importance of recognising CiCCs not just as advisory bodies but as essential spaces for peer support, empowerment, and meaningful contributions to corporate parenting policies.
