Beyond the system: from a childhood in care to an adulthood as a care provider

My name is Tim Clare, and I am the director of a group of children's homes that I founded in 2017. My journey began long before that-as a child in care for two decades, I pursued a career dedicated to supporting young people in similar situations, including creating training programs through my company, Training From Tim Clare (TFTC). I've lived the system, worked in it, and relish working with others to help shape it's future.

As someone who spent twenty years in care and has since dedicated my life to improving the system, this book is deeply personal. It combines my lived experiences as a child navigating the care system with insights from my career managing children's homes. Through sharing my story and the lessons l have learned, I hope to inspire change and offer practical strategies for supporting vulnerable children. This book is both a reflection on the past and a guide to shaping a better future for those in care.

The care system faces critical challenges, and the voices of those who have lived through it need to be heard now more than ever. By sharing my perspective, I aim to bridge the gap between policymakers professionals, and the children they serve. The time for this book is now-as awareness grows, we must seize the opportunity to turn understanding into action. My goal is to spark meaningful conversations and provide actionable solutions to improve outcomes for young people in care.

'So … when reflecting on my time with my long-term foster parents, there were good and bad moments. I guess many children could say the same about their own biological parents also and no parent is perfect, of course. In the end, my experience is neither all positive nor all negative—it’s a complex blend of emotions, shaped by both love and disappointment. I remain grateful for their support and stability, and for giving Rob and I the stickability we both desperately needed and most of all, for allowing us to stay together. Could things have been better and could their approaches and practice have been more therapeutic and nurturing – absolutely! While I recognize the importance of stability, I also see that there were many areas for improvement in their approach to care.

'I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that came my way. The supportive environments and powerful relationships were crucial in shaping who I am today. It is my hope that one day, every young person in the care system will have the chance to experience a similar fortunate turn, enabling them to thrive and fulfil their potential.

'Reflecting on my journey, I often find myself pondering the winding path that transitioned me from being in care myself to now supporting those in the care system. This journey holds a deeply personal significance for me. Growing up within the care system, I experienced first-hand the challenges that accompany such a life. From the uncertainty of moving between homes to the positive impact of supportive caregivers, every part of my experience shaped who I am today. These early years formed a foundation that fuels my compassion and commitment to give back, and it’s this journey that I wish to explore as I reflect on my work or “way of life” in the care sector.

'Having once been in care myself, I deeply understand the crucial role that carers and various professionals—whether directly or indirectly involved—play in shaping children’s lives. They can serve as the cornerstone of a child’s world, offering stability, encouragement, and kindness during times of uncertainty or hardship. They can also be the therapeutic catalyst that supports a traumatised child’s recovery. As I transitioned from being a recipient of care to a provider, I was driven by a strong desire not only to replicate the positive experiences I had received but also to bring about meaningful improvements to the very systems that shaped my upbringing.' Beyond the System, Tim Clare 2025

This book is for everyone who plays a role in the care system: social workers, care practitioners, policymakers, educators, and many more. It also speaks to anyone interested in understanding the complexities of care, offering a mix of personal reflection and professional guidance to inspire and empower readers. Through this book, I hope to bring a unique voice to the discussion of care - not just as someone who has worked to improve it, but as someone who has lived it.

Beyond the system: from a childhood in care to an adulthood as a care provider by Tim Clare