Samantha Morton says ‘care system not fit for purpose’
**Samantha Morton: “The Care System Isn’t Fit for Purpose”**
Bafta-winning actress Samantha Morton has spoken out about the British care system, describing it as “not fit for purpose.” Honoured at Windsor Castle with an OBE for services to drama and charity, Morton, 48, reflected on her own experiences growing up in care and the importance of education and support.
Morton, known for her roles in *Longford* and *The Serpent Queen*, directed and co-wrote the acclaimed TV drama *The Unloved*, which is based on her first-hand experience of the care system. The drama won the Best Single Drama award at the Bafta TV Awards in 2010.
### A Message to Children in Care
When asked what message she would give to children currently in care, Morton said:
“Anything is possible. I really believe that, but I was lucky because I had a really good teacher at school who saw potential in me. It’s about young people who are suffering — or even if you’re not in care but just suffering right now — to know that education really is your way out of anything.”
She emphasized the power of education, saying, “Because the minute you educate yourself, you just see other worlds and opportunities. It doesn’t always have to be financial, because it is about freeing the mind as well.”
### Criticism of the Care System
Morton was candid about the failings of the care system:
“The care system isn’t fit for purpose. It’s been privatised, and unfortunately, there are a lot of unregulated children’s homes operating up and down the country. We have a lot of suicides — young people killing themselves in the care system. It was always that way, but now the proportions are just not acceptable. We have a real problem.”
### Advice for Aspiring Young Actors
For young actors hoping to follow in her footsteps, Morton’s advice is to engage deeply with British cinema and theatre:
“I would say, watch as many British films and television as you can. The BBC has an amazing archive of arts and culture, and although we tend to lean towards globalisation in our arts — which is fine — we don’t always feel represented.”
She encouraged nurturing an appreciation for British filmmaking, saying, “My advice would be to really nurture British film, British television, and British filmmakers. Even if they’re making American films, they’re British filmmakers. Watch how they direct, what they do differently from American, Russian, or Polish directors. It’s very different.”
Morton also acknowledged the challenges young people face with expensive theatre and cinema tickets, suggesting alternatives:
“Cinema is very expensive, so most are watching streaming services. Hunt out the really good stuff. You’ve got the National Theatre Live as well, which you can watch online.”
### Honoured at Windsor Castle
Morton revealed how emotional she felt after being honoured by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
“I feel very emotional. I’m very proud, very grateful, and honoured to be here today,” she said.
Reflecting on the ceremony, she described the moment as “a bit of a blur”:
“I was just trying to make sure I didn’t say the wrong thing.”
### A Humbling Royal Encounter
She also recounted a past royal encounter when, years ago, she was invited to Buckingham Palace but had forgotten her shoes on the Tube and had to wear flip-flops.
“I was mortified,” she admitted. “So all I had with me were flip-flops when I met the late Queen.”
Morton praised the royal family’s work and expressed her gratitude to the Prince of Wales for his gracious congratulation and ongoing efforts.
“What they do is incredible,” she said. “Obviously, William was very gracious congratulating me. But I also wanted to thank him for what he does, which I think I remembered to do.”
### Celebrated Career Highlights
Morton’s acting career spans over three decades. She landed her first TV roles in 1991 in *Soldier Soldier* and *Boon*, before starring in period dramas such as *Emma* (1996) and *Jane Eyre* (1997).
She garnered international acclaim for her performance in Carine Adler’s indie film *Under The Skin* (1998), for which she received her first British Independent Film Award (BIFA) nomination for Best Actress. In 2002, she won the Best Actress award for the psychological drama *Morvern Callar*.
In 2022, she was honoured with the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British film.
Morton has also been nominated for two Oscars: in 2000 for *Sweet and Lowdown* and in 2004 for *In America*. She received a Golden Globe in 2008 for her portrayal of child murderer Myra Hindley in the TV movie *Longford*.
Her other notable roles include starring alongside Tom Cruise in the sci-fi action film *Minority Report* (2002) and playing Mary Lou in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016).
### Bafta Fellowship
Last year, Samantha Morton was awarded the Bafta Fellowship, the academy’s highest accolade. She dedicated the prestigious honour to children in care, highlighting her continued commitment to advocating for vulnerable young people.
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Samantha Morton’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by children in care and the transformative power of education, resilience, and support. Her ongoing work as an actress, director, and advocate continues to inspire many.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/samantha-morton-says-care-system-not-fit-for-purpose-as-she-is-made-obe-1813000.html
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