Council backs Motion to give people who've been in care greater protection

An independent review of children's social care in 2022 highlighted the barriers and discrimination care leavers can face throughout their life. It recommended that the government should recognise people who've been through the care system as having a Protected Characteristic.

This means that it would be against the law to discriminate against so-called 'Care Experienced' people in the same way it's illegal to discriminate against anyone because of their age, race or sexual orientation. The 'Macallister Review' showed that:

• 70% of people who have been in care have a shorter life expectancy
• Over half of those in custody up to the age of 21 have been in care
• A quarter of the homeless population in England and Wales has experience of the care system.

Dave Wraight, Acting Head of Children and Family Services at West Berkshire Council said,

"It is widely recognised that there are often fewer opportunities and poorer outcomes for people who have been in care. That's why recognising care experience as a protected characteristic is vital in ensuring that all people are treated fairly and equally. 

We want to stop the negative assumptions that are made about people who have been in care, because they are simply unfair and unfounded. These perceptions are evidenced in the way that care experience is discussed in schools, workplaces and in the media and can lead to people being refused employment, failing to succeed in education or facing unfair judgements about their own abilities when they wish to have a family of their own. 

As corporate parents we have a responsibility to nurture and support the talents of the young people in our care, and to ensure we assist them to reach their full potential."