People brought up in care should not be discriminated against – and a Cumbrian council is set to introduce historic measures to make sure their rights are protected.
Cumberland Council, which is set to come into being next April, will discuss whether young people’s experience of the care system becomes a protected characteristic – meaning that it should be no barrier to their future.
Having a protected characteristic means people have a right not to be treated less favourably, or subjected to an unfair disadvantage, by reason of that characteristic – at the moment that includes age, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
Councillors are meeting today and Cllr Emma Williamson, non-statutory deputy leader, is set to propose a motion which will help shape the new authority’s children’s services.
Cllr Williamson will propose that Cumberland Council accepts a recommendation in The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.
The national review, led by Josh MacAlister of Eden, recommends that young people’s experience of the care system become a “protected characteristic” – meaning that it should be no barrier to their future.
If the motion is passed, the council recognises that care experienced people are an oppressed group who face discrimination and will prioritise this in any policy decisions it makes and the formulation of the council plan.
Mr MacAlister, who is now a Government adviser after the publication of the review, said: “Making the care experience a protected characteristic is a key recommendation for Government from my review so I’m delighted to see the new Cumberland Council leading the way by recognising the unique experiences that being in care give a person.
“The disadvantage faced by people who have spent time growing up in the care system should be the civil rights issue of our time.
“Children in care are powerless, are often invisible and they face some of the greatest inequalities that exist in England today.”
Mr MacAlister said that despite these injustices “so many care experienced people go on to run businesses, start families, earn doctorates, produce drama, write poetry, become government ministers and contribute to the world in countless ways.”
The care review, published in May 2022 was informed by the experiences of young people who have experienced the social care system as well as its staff.
Cumberland Council is holding meetings as a shadow authority to help it set up for Vesting Day on April 1, when it takes over the running of the areas currently serviced by Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland and the county councils.
