enduring relationships: the connections that change lives

The Department for Education’s new policy paper on enduring relationships places a clear focus on something many care-experienced children and young people have been telling us for years: lasting, trusted relationships matter. The paper sets out a vision of a care system where every child grows up surrounded by people who provide stability, belonging and support into adulthood. Enduring relationships defines these connections as important, consistent and lasting relationships that help children feel safe, valued and understood.

For children and young people who have experienced adversity or time in care, these relationships can make a profound difference. The Department for Education highlights the positive impact enduring relationships have on wellbeing, education, resilience and future outcomes. It also acknowledges that care systems can sometimes unintentionally disrupt important connections, despite the best efforts of professionals. The challenge now is to ensure relationships become the central thread running through every child's journey.

enduring relationships at asphaleia

At asphaleia, this principle is not new. Across our services, we recognise that meaningful relationships are often the foundation on which progress is built.

Whether a young person is living in one of our care services, learning within our education programmes, receiving wellbeing support, or living with one of our foster families, we know that positive outcomes rarely happen in isolation. Trust grows over time. Confidence is developed through consistent encouragement. Young people are more likely to engage when they know there is someone who genuinely believes in them and is committed to walking alongside them.

Our approach has always been rooted in seeing the individual behind the circumstances and understanding the importance of connection and belonging. Across asphaleia, we aim to provide stable environments where young people feel heard, valued and supported. Our organisational policies emphasise achieving positive outcomes in health, education, relationships and independence, while maintaining a trauma-informed approach that recognises the impact of past experiences on wellbeing and relationships.

key foundations for effective fostering, education and care

In fostering, the importance of enduring relationships is particularly evident. Foster carers provide far more than accommodation. They become trusted adults who celebrate achievements, offer reassurance during difficult times and create a sense of stability that can last long beyond a placement. As our fostering service highlights, being someone a child can trust and rely on is at the heart of fostering.

Within education, relationships are equally important. Learning happens most effectively when young people feel safe and understood. Strong relationships between learners and staff can build confidence, encourage attendance and help young people overcome barriers that may have previously prevented them from engaging with education.

The Department for Education's paper also highlights the importance of maintaining connections that already exist in a child's life wherever it is safe to do so. These may include family members, siblings, friends, neighbours, teachers, youth workers or other trusted adults. The focus is not simply on creating new relationships, but on recognising and strengthening the connections that matter most to the child.

This aligns closely with the asphaleia way. Our values encourage us to think about the world from the perspective of others and recognise the unique identity, experiences and potential of every individual.

As the national conversation around enduring relationships develops, it provides an important reminder for everyone working with children and young people. Services matter. Programmes matter. Support plans matter. But lasting change often begins with a trusted relationship.

At asphaleia, building and maintaining those relationships remains a priority across care, fostering and training because every child and young person deserves more than support in the moment. They deserve connections that help them feel safe, valued and connected, both now and in the future.

Read the Department for Education's policy paper on enduring relationships here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enduring-relationships-for-care-experienced-children--2/enduring-relationships