Hello and Welcome to the Chrysalis Care blog spot


Chrysalis Care is an independent fostering provider, looking after children in London and the home counties. We have been operating since 1997 and have an ‘outstanding’ reputation.

As you will be aware there are many issues and topics highlighted by the media regarding looked after children, foster care, social services and children not being taken into care with tragic consequences.

The Chrysalis Care blog spot will be a forum where some of these topics, issues and other thoughts associated with fostering and looked after children will be discussed by staff, foster carers and perhaps some young people. I hope you enjoy them and please feel free to comment.

Allé Pflaumer, Director

Tuesday 22 October 2013

A truly child centred system - at the heart of the matter

Myself and one of the Directors at Chrysalis Care, attended the Fostering Network’s Annual conference last week. I am still reflecting on the panel speeches given by two care-experienced young people from the ‘Who Cares? Trust’, Ashley Williamson and Kevani Kanda.

As someone who has worked with children and young people for more than twenty five years, I know only too well the power of lived experience in conveying what is important. When this is coupled with maturity and crystal clear articulation, no policy or well rehearsed speech can top it.

Ashley and Kevani reached into my heart and spoke the very truth of a truly child centred system in a way that only their experience could provoke. This was the only moment throughout the day that I put down my ‘Ipad’, stopped taking notes and just listened. I listened as Kevani spoke of the legacy of multiple moves upon insecure attachments in her adult relationships. I listened as Ashley told us of the necessity for transparency in communication and how withholding information can cause more harm than good. I listened to myself acknowledging that the message they gave reflects that of so many young people I have met over the years and in how what they implore of us is actually so very, very basic. As Kevani concluded, in spite of the emphasis on financial expenditure and current economic pressures, much of what is needed has no price tag. Thank you for this very courageous reminder of what is at the heart of the matter.

Joanna Oliver, Strategic Development Executive

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