20/11/2023 - Commitment to improving life chances for Luton’s care leavers

These were the moving words of 26-year-old Shannon Welch, a council businesses support officer previously in Luton Council’s care, after councillors unanimously adopted a motion committing to treating people who have care experience in the same way as other groups with a protected characteristic.

Through no fault of their own, people in the care of the council often face significant barriers that impact them throughout their lives once they leave care.

The council actively supports 282 care leavers who often face discrimination and stigma across housing, health, education, relationships, employment and in the criminal justice system.

Due to disruption in their childhood, many of these young people achieve lower than average educational attainment which impacts their employment prospects. As a result only 50 per cent of 19-21 year-old care leavers are in education, employment or training.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor Tahmina Saleem and supported by all councillors, will ensure future decisions, services and policies made and adopted by the council are assessed through equality impact assessments to determine the impact of changes on people with care experience, alongside those who formally share a protected characteristic by law.

Councillor Saleem, portfolio holder responsible for Children’s Health and Wellbeing, said:  “We fully recognise and witness first-hand the challenges, hardships and unfairness faced by care leavers. They are disadvantaged through no fault of their own and it’s absolutely right that they are given protection to tackle the barriers and stigma which can often stay with them for a lifetime.

“I would like to thank my colleagues across the chamber for supporting this important motion. As corporate parents to children in our care we have a collective responsibility for ensuring they receive the best possible support, but also to act as mentors, hearing their voices and considering their needs - now and in the future - in every aspect of our work.”

19-year-old Bianca Vigh, a care leaver now employed by the council’s adult learning service, said: “This is a monumental step towards ensuring equal rights and opportunities for our community. I'm thrilled to witness this empowering recognition, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive society.”

26-year-old Rebekka Slee, another care leaver employed by the local authority as an Administration Apprentice, added: “When you become a care leaver, you’re on your own, really. I have navigated the loss of my child alone. I have navigated being a new parent alone. I have mended my own hurt, wiped my own tears. I am endlessly proud of Luton for pioneering the change that is providing care leavers with the love many crave, and all deserve.”

The motion also committed to formally calling on other bodies to treat care experience as a protected characteristic until such time as it may be introduced by legislation.