Published on Wednesday 07 December 2022
A recommendation to recognise children in care and care experienced young people as a locally protected characteristic will be considered at the next meeting of BCP Council’s Cabinet (14 December 2022).
If the recommendation is adopted, all future decisions, services and policies by the council will be assessed through Equality Impact Assessments to determine the impact on its children in care and care experienced young people.
Care experienced young people refers to young people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, who are no longer in care but were looked after by BCP Council.
Cllr Bobbie Dove, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: "Children in care and care experienced young people are often invisible and they face some of the greatest inequalities in life."
"This is about ensuring that they have the same opportunities and outcomes as children in more traditional families. Everyone deserves fair access to council services."
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, said: "Treating care experienced young people as a protected characteristic is important to the livelihoods of these young people.
"If it is accepted, it will mean we check, every time as we design them, the real impact of our policies so we can make sure everyone has fair access."
Cabinet will now be asked to approve the revised Corporate Equality and Diversity Policy and Governance Framework, which also recognises local business, community organisations, military veterans, and socio-economic status as locally protected groups.
Editor’s notes:
Read the cabinet report here.