Comfort Cases UK Launches to Promote Hope and Dignity to Children in Foster Care in the United Kingdom
Originally launched in the US in 2013, Comfort Cases has provided resources to more than 100,000 children in the foster care system. Expansion to the UK is imperative to meet the needs of the thousands of children entering foster care every month
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Comfort Cases is the leading organisation in the United States that provides a new backpack or duffle bag filled with new comfort and personal care items for youth entering the foster care system. Having provided resources to more than 100,000 children in the United States (including Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) since founded in 2013, Comfort Cases is now expanding to the United Kingdom, today launching Comfort Cases UK (https://comfortcasesuk.org/)
With more than 97,000 children in Foster Care throughout the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), the need has never been greater to provide these important resources to children.
"Since founding Comfort Cases in 2013, I have seen the amazing and beautiful impact we have had on these children," states Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases. "Typically, children are given a trash bag (or bin) to put their belongings in when being sent to a new foster home. This has gone on since I was in foster care myself more than 30 years ago. We are working to end this practice here while providing the essentials for a child's first days in foster care in the US and are now so excited to bring Comfort Cases to those in need in the United Kingdom."
The #nomorebinbags campaign was initiated in 2018 in UK. "We saw what Rob and Comfort Cases have achieved in the US and knew that we needed to provide a similar resource to our children here in the UK," states Sarah Laster, Comfort Cases UK CEO. "Nearly one in five children aged 12-15 who recently entered foster care had two or more home moves in a year – that means packing up their whole lives and getting to know a new set of carers every few months. It is unsurprising that we read reports from Care Leavers, describing themselves 'like a 'parcel' being moved around'. By launching Comfort Cases UK, we will do our best to bring these children the hope and dignity they deserve."
Key statistics regarding the UK foster care system:
- Today alone, more than 100 children will be entering the care system today caring their belongings in bin bags or plastic shopping bag
- More than half of children in care will have at least 1 home move in 3 years
- Over a third of children come into the care system aged 4 or under
- Nearly two thirds of children in care are aged 10-18
- Across England there has been a 26% increase of 13-17 year-olds entering care from 2012 to 2018
A Comfort Case is packed with age-appropriate comfort and personal care items, that may include:
- A small duffel or backpack
- New pyjamas
- A blanket
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap and/or bodywash
- A stuffed animal
- A book
"Having worked with children in some capacity for most of my adult life, I have a strong affiliation to the care and protection of young people," said Laster. "That children might consider themselves worthless or less important than others, merely because they are victims of their circumstances inspires me to take action. As a co-founder of "You Donate We Deliver", I have seen first-hand the power of goodwill of humankind and community spirit. Having received a Points of Light Award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the team is aware that we might not be able to change a system, but we can unite in acts of humanity and kindness. Comfort Cases UK is a natural progression for our team, and I am determined to show the thousands of children in care across the UK feel that they are valued and loved."
About Comfort Cases:
Comfort Cases is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth entering foster care. Since 2013, we have distributed over 100,000 Comfort Cases and Comfort XL duffel bags to children in the foster care system in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. We are a gold-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency.
Comfort Cases is based in Rockville, MD.
Comfort Cases UK is based in Shenley, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom.
Media Contact
David Thalberg, Stryker-Munley Group, +1 9179522580, [email protected]
SOURCE Comfort Cases UK
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