We recognise ‘care experience’ as a protected characteristic
We have taken another step forward in the ways in which we support our young people in care.
The national situation
It is widely recognised that looked after children and care leavers – young people in care who are moving towards a more independent life – often face discrimination and disadvantage. This can result in poorer outcomes in education, employment, housing and health.
What we are doing to support young people
To help tackle stigma, councillors have formally agreed that being care experienced, either on a temporary or long-term basis, will become a protected characteristic in Kirklees.
The move formally recognises that experience of being in the care system can lead to similar barriers to those faced by other groups with protected characteristics.
The needs of care experienced young people will be central to all council decision making and their views will continue to be sought when policies and services are being designed.
Recognising care experience as a protected characteristic will also enable services which support care experienced young adults to acknowledge the impact of stigma and discrimination and ensure that arrangements are put in place to address bias.
Establishing care experience as a protected characteristic stemmed from a motion to Full Council by Cllrs Viv Kendrick, Paul Davies, Elizabeth Reynolds, Graham Turner and Cathy Scott.
Cllr Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said:
“Councillors are corporate parents, which gives us a responsibility to provide the best possible care and safeguarding for children who are looked after.
“We are committed to acting as mentors, hearing the voices of looked after children and young people and considering their needs in any aspect of council work.
“Councillors should be the champions of those in care and should challenge the negative attitudes they face in so many aspects of society.
“Care experienced young people are being put at the heart of decision making in Kirklees. We will assess how decisions impact on them, alongside others who share a protected characteristic.
“We also call on other organisations to treat care experience as a protected characteristic until such a time that this is formalised in law.
“Being a young person in care should never lead to long-term disadvantage. We are determined that our young people will be listened to and will enjoy the best possible start in life.”