Care leavers to be considered in council policy as it becomes a ‘locally protected characteristic’

Stoke-on-Trent City Council will give new lifelong rights and protections to young people who spend time in care.

The council's ruling cabinet have decided to make experience of care a “locally protected characteristic" within the city.

That means that whenever the council designs a new programme or policy, it will now consider the impact of changes to services and policy on those who have been in care.

This would allow policies to be more effective in meeting the needs of care leavers and could lead to greater access to apprenticeships and housing, or support in times of financial hardship.

The move goes beyond the council's statutory responsibilities - reflecting its commitment to continuing to nurture and protect care leavers throughout their adult lives.

Evidence shows people who have spent time in residential and foster placements are more likely to face lifelong barriers in a range of areas including education, mental health and employment opportunities.

They also often face discrimination and stigma associated with being a care leaver.

This comes as the council continues its wider work to support care leavers through the Care Leavers Local Offer and the Next Steps duty team, who support those who leave care up to the age of 25.

The Next Steps team provide those leaving care with a personal adviser. They support care leavers with a range of things, from finding education or employment, to accommodation and how to cope living independently, as well as being there to offer advice and support.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I welcome this decision to make experience of care a locally protected characteristic, as it will help address the lifelong inequalities that care leavers face.

“Care leavers face significant barriers towards work and education, as well as being more likely to experience a mental health condition, but this step will allow policies to be more effective in meeting care leavers’ needs, whilst strengthening inclusion.

“We will better understand and respond to the structural disadvantage care leavers face as we continue towards creating a healthier, fairer city where all of our residents can thrive.”

To find out more the Care Leavers Local Offer and the work that the Next Steps team do, visit: https://www.stoke.gov.uk/careleaverslocaloffer