I'd also like to join with many others in thanking the former children's commissioner, Dr Sally Holland, for her leadership as the commissioner in promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and young people in Wales. As chair of the cross-party group on children and families and children in our care, I just want to use my brief time to focus on children and young people who are looked after.

Since 2003, the number of children and young people looked after has nearly doubled, and in the last decade, it has risen more than a quarter. I am particularly concerned about the provision of independent advocacy services for children and young people in residential care. We know that, as a result of the national approach to statutory advocacy, in place since July 2017, children and young people placed in local authority residential care are able to access independent advocacy. But that provision accounts for less and less of the total share of accommodation.

In March 2019, just 23 out of a total of 178 children’s homes were provided by local authorities. Evidence from Tros Gynnal Plant found that only 22 of the approximately 155 independent homes were actually providing independent advocacy. This is a real concern for me and, I’m sure, many others, Minister. Every residential home, whatever its status in terms of registration, should be required by law to provide an independent visiting advocacy service, as an added safeguard, ensuring that every child or young person has a personal advocate with whom they can communicate openly and without worry.

Many of us, either professionally or in another capacity, have met young people who are in care or who are care experienced. The trauma and experiences that they go through, in terms of coming into care, then in terms of their placements, mean that they really feel voiceless. Independent advocacy services are vital to ensuring that they have that voice. So, I would be interested to hear more on this matter in response to the debate, both in extending this requirement to the independent sector, and strengthening the existing national model for local authority settings.

The other matter that I would like to highlight is the use of unregulated placements. The commissioner’s report highlights concerns with the widespread use of unregulated placements. I appreciate completely that these often arise from emergencies and breakdowns in placements, and having been a social worker for many years, I know the situation. But there is a real concern with the quality and standards of accommodation. This can vary from ‘When I am Ready’ placements, right through to hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation, the latter of which is totally inappropriate. While there are some excellent supportive settings, some young people are very vulnerable if living in poor accommodation with limited support.

I understand that this is being considered as part of the work around the removal of profit from the sector, and on improving the range and availability of placements, especially for those with more complex needs. I do support this, and I’m really pleased that this is part of the programme for government. The commissioner, in her report, makes very clear recommendations about the scope of the work that needs to be undertaken, and I hope that you can respond, Minister, to that recommendation in this debate.

Finally, as others have, can I wish the new commissioner, Rocio Cifuentes, the very best for her time in office? I look forward to working with her. There is a huge amount of work to be done for our children in building a brighter future. The COVID pandemic—both its direct impact on the lives of children and young people, and the decision making around how Wales responded to the pandemic—highlights just how important an independent champion for children and young people is. Diolch yn fawr iawn.