An inspirational group of people who have previously been in care have called on Tower Hamlets Council to help other care leavers “thrive and not just survive” during an emotional cabinet meeting.
And at the meeting on Wednesday, the council agreed to protect those who have been in care from stigma and discrimination once they leave by making being in care a protected characteristic in all council decisions.
It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of a protected characteristic.
Care-experienced individuals often encounter significant barriers in getting employment, housing and socially, leading to mental health issues, a higher chance of being involved in crime and poverty, and social exclusion.
At the cabinet meeting, three people who have left care spoke about their own experiences in support of making being a care leaver a protected characteristic.
One person who has been in care, Jade, who has since graduated with a first and now works in one of the largest advertising companies, said: “Being taken into care meant that my childhood was disrupted.
“I missed two of the most formative years of primary school and my SATs were never taken.
“As a result, my predicted GCSE grades were dishearteningly low and I found myself placed in the bottom set for all subjects. It took a lot of persuasion and many meetings between the school and my social workers and carers to get them to give me the chance in middle and upper sets so that I can achieve my full potential.
“Without that chance, I might not have secured the grades I needed for A-Levels, attended university, or obtained the job I hold today.
“Yet not all children in care have been as fortunate as I have been.
“Many lack advocates.
“This is why we must ensure care experience becomes a protected characteristic.
“With this recognition, they can not just to catch up, but to excel in their education.”
Another care leaver, Nehal, who wants to become a chartered accountant, said: “Being in care is uncomfortable and it is hard for children to cope.
“We are asked many questions from our school friends when they find out we were in care. They ask questions like ‘Why aren’t you living with your parents? Do they not like you?’.
“This question is very, very difficult to hear.
“We have struggled with many challenges from a young age and potentially in the future in our school life and in our work life.
“For some of us, we have overcome challenges and we are doing great in our lives despite all the negative circumstances we have experienced.
“However, this is not the case for all of us. The statistics speak for themselves – care leavers are more likely to be in the criminal justice system and not live as long.
“We need your support and we want the council to recognise being a care leaver as a protected characteristic. It is not something that should be discriminated against, but something that should be supported.”
Claire, another care leaver, said: “Support when you are in care just ends when you are 18.
“You’re seen as an adult and everything is thrust upon you just like that.
“The effects of being in care don’t end when you are 18. Care experience is life long, and not only is there mental and emotional trauma, but physical and financial too.
“It’s exhausting always feeling like you are fighting a battle.
“It’s too easy for so many people, especially those with care experience, to fall deeper and deeper down the wrong path.
“Care leavers are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, experience anxiety and depression, and they make up a quarter of the prison population in England.
“It’s all to easy for care leavers to become another statistic.”
Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “By making care experience a protected characteristic, the council sends a powerful message of inclusivity and empathy.
“This move aims to level the field for care-experienced individuals who often face challenges in education, employment, mental health, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. It is an act of compassion, ensuring that they are heard, valued, and granted the same rights as others.”
Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, said: “The council calls upon all partners and service providers to embrace care experience as a protected characteristic and actively combat discrimination. It believes that everyone has a role to play in creating an inclusive and equitable society where care-experienced individuals can thrive.
“Together, through education, training, and inclusivity initiatives, Tower Hamlets Council are determined to create a society that values and respects diversity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to flourish.”
Posted on Thursday 27th July 2023