Full Council back decision to prioritise the rights of young people who are care experienced

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council recently agreed to further strengthen the rights of children and young people who have been supported by the care system.

A motion calling for those who are care experienced are to be treated as if they have protected characteristics was put before the July meeting of full Council by the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Cllr Julia Jenkins, where it was unanimously agreed by all members. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council recognises the importance of Diversity and Equality and strives to lead the way by ensuring these principles are promoted and actively celebrated. Currently, there is a growing momentum in Wales amongst Welsh Local Authorities to acknowledge the importance of recognising ‘Care experience’ and treat as a protected characteristic.

‌Local councils play a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable members of society are protected and provided with the support that they need. One such initiative that has been implemented by many councils is the commitment to treat those who are care experienced in line with those who have protected characteristics.

Under the motion, the council recognises how care-experienced people face significant barriers which can affect their entire lives, and that while they are often naturally resilient, they can face discrimination and stigma in areas such as housing, health, education, relationships, employment and within the criminal justice system.

Cllr Julia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Social Services said: “It's so important to prioritize the rights and wellbeing of children and young people who have been in the care system. It's great to see Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council taking steps to further strengthen those rights and support systems. Every child deserves to be heard and supported, especially those who have been in the care system. This decision shows a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for these young individuals. It's a great step in the right direction, and hopefully, it will inspire other communities to do the same.”

In adopting this approach the Council will:

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• Recognise that care experienced people are a group who are likely to face discrimination;
• Recognise that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council have a duty to put the needs of disadvantaged people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration;
• Agree that future decision, services and policies made and adopted by the Council should be assessed through Equality Impact Assessments to determine the impact of changes on people with care experience, alongside those who formally share a protected characteristic.
• Agree that in the delivery of the Public Sector Equality Duty the Council includes care experience in the publication and review of Equality Objectives and the annual publication of information relating to people who share a protected characteristic in services and employment.
• Formally call upon all other bodies to treat care experience as a protected characteristic until such time as it may be introduced by legislation.
• Continue proactively seeking out and listening to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies based on their views.