Care experience now recognized by Newham Council as a protected characteristic – Newham Council

Newham Council has agreed to give more support to some of its most vulnerable young people, recognizing care experience as a protected characteristic.

Councilors voted for the pioneering report which was presented at this week’s (May 7) Cabinet meeting by young people from Newham’s Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Forum. The Council will now implement a review of all policies to ensure that children in care or care are taken into account in all policy-making to address the inequality and discrimination they are known to face.

According to national statistics, as part of the 2022 Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, children in care are more likely to face difficulties in adulthood. The analysis found that 30% of school leavers who were in care in 2021/22 were not in further or further education, employment or training nine months after leaving school, compared to 7% of all leavers school.

In Newham, the number of children in care in 2023 rose from 405 to 431 in a given month, equivalent to around 49 in every 10,000.

Councilor Sarah Ruiz, lead member for children and young people, said: “Care leavers often face significant challenges and obstacles as they navigate their way through life. It is imperative that we recognize and address their unique needs and vulnerabilities, giving them the protection and support they deserve.

“As a society, we must do everything we can to make sure our children get the help they need to be healthy and succeed. With this pledge, we are sending a strong message that we will care for them as we would our own children and that their voices matter, their experiences are valid and their rights must be respected.”

To find out more about placing a child or young person in care please visit www.newham.gov.uk/fostering