That the Cabinet resolves:

·           To formally support the Show Us You Care Too campaign which calls for care experience to be made a protected characteristic as part of the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care;

·           For the council to proactively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies based on their views; and

·           To continue to build apprenticeship opportunities for care experienced young people.

To respond to the motion and support the Show Us You Care Too Campaign.

None.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Monday, 3 April 2023 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Members considered a motion in relation to the Show Us You Care Too campaign, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

Councillor Law proposed and Councillor Stockman seconded a motion, as set out below which was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet:

Cabinet notes that:

·         Care experienced people face significant barriers that impact them throughout their lives;

·         Despite the resilience of many care experienced people, society too often does not take their needs into account;

·         Care experienced people often face discrimination and stigma across housing, health, education, relationships employment and in the criminal justice system; and

·         As corporate parents, councillors have a collective responsibility for providing the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are looked after by us as an authority.

Cabinet believes that:

·         Care experienced people are an oppressed group who face discrimination;

·         Councils have a duty to put the needs of oppressed people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration;

·          All corporate parents should commit to acting as mentors, hearing the voices of looked after children and young people and to consider their needs in any aspect of council work;

·         Councillors should be champions of our looked after children and challenge the negative attitudes and prejudice that exists in all aspects of society; and

·         Services and policies should be assessed through Equality Impact Assessments to determine the impact of changes on people with care experience.

Cabinet resolves:

·         To formally support the Show Us You Care Too campaign which calls for care experience to be made a protected characteristic as part of the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care;

·         For the council to proactively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies based on their views; and

·         To continue to build apprenticeship opportunities for care experienced young people.

None.