Issue - meetings

To receive the report on the Protected Characteristics for Care Leavers and the Local Offer.

The Cabinet Member: Children, Young People, Education & Lifelong Learning presented the report of the Director: Children’s Safeguarding & Family Support.  The report put forward the proposal that individuals with care experience were treated as if it was a protected characteristic.

Many people with care experience faced discrimination, stigma and prejudice in their lives, which was similar in nature to other groups that have a legally protected characteristic under the Equality Act (2010). The Council had established a Local Offer for Care Leavers, however, there was a desire for the offer to continue to improve.

Members agreed that this would make a real difference to care experienced young people’s lives.

RESOLVED that:

a)    ‘Care Experience’ as a Protected Characteristic be agreed;

b)    The updated Telford and Wrekin Local Offer to Care Leavers be endorsed.