THURROCK Council has rubber-stamped a policy of protecting children in care are not stigmatised as they set out on their own reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Youngsters leaving Thurrock’s care system will benefit from a new policy which will help protect them from any discrimination they may face as they leave care.
A motion to recognise being in care as a locally protected characteristic, a policy equivalent to groups protected under the Equality Act 2010, was submitted by Vikki Hartstean, Labour councillor for Chafford and North Stifford. It was approved at full council in July and Thurrock’s cabinet has now also agreed the motion.
This motion followed a meeting with the Thurrock Young Voices Group which consists of young people aged 11 to 25.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, John Kent, leader of the council said: “We all think back to the council meeting where Young Voices came and spoke.
“It was incredibly powerful and those youngsters were a real credit to themselves. We are all corporate parents and we need to take those responsibilities seriously and I know we do.”
Mr Kent added: “We already do much for instance help with council tax, prescriptions for care leavers and helping young people when they move into their first home but some of the statistics are shocking.
“A quarter of all homeless people were once in care. A third of care leavers become homeless within two years of leaving care. Something like a quarter of the prison population have been in care so clearly we need to do much more and I think this is a significant step.”
Sara Muldowney, councillor responsible for resources, also welcomed the motion. She said: “By recognising care experience as a locally protected characteristic we are acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these individuals and ensuring they have safe and fair access to opportunities and education, employment and beyond.
“This policy shows our commitment to help care leavers thrive, empowering them to overcome barriers and realise their full potential. It’s a strong message that Thurrock values all its young people.”
Figures for March 2024 showed that there were 294 children and young people in the care of the local authority with an additional 267 aged from 16 to 25.
The Independent Review for Children’s Social Care Undertaken by Josh McAllister in May 2022, said those in care “face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice in their day-today lives”.
