A care leaver's perspective on accessing her care records via subject access

Former child protection social worker Rebekah Pierre has highlighted the impersonal and challenging process that care leavers face when accessing their records via subject access request, urging local authorities to provide better support. Writing for CommunityCare, Pierre, who has professional experience and access to therapy, described the experience as one of the most challenging of her life, expressing concern for others without such resources.

The article outlines several barriers care leavers face, including arbitrary redactions, extensive delays, and lost files. To improve this process, Pierre suggests that local authorities should offer a more personalised approach, beginning with an empathetic letter that acknowledges past practices. She recommends offering various access options, including both digital and postal formats, and providing therapeutic support on an opt-out basis. This could involve a person of the care leaver's choosing. In addition, Pierre calls for greater awareness among care leavers concerning the right to rectify inaccurate information, challenge redactions, and access a complaints process in a clear, accessible way.