YOUNG people in the borough moving into adult life after being in the care of Thurrock Council have been offered additional 'protected' support by the authority.

The move is intended to help them integrate easier and to gain access to a wider range of opportunities through collaboration with local businesses and public services.

Proposing the move, which was rubber-stamped at a meeting of the council's cabinet this evening (Wednesday, 9 October), portfolio holder for children's services and education Cllr Vikki Hartstean said: "By making this next important step, we are creating an environment where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential, free from discrimination and stigma."

Cllr Vikki Hartstean speaking to the cabinet.

Cllr Hartstean told members the authority is taking the steps to enhance the support available to young people leaving care, building on its previous commitment to recognise 'care experience' as a protected characteristic.

On 24 July the full council supported a motion proposed by Cllr Hartstea which read: "Care-experienced people are a disadvantaged group who face challenges and discrimination in every aspect of their lives. 

"However, care experience is not currently a protected characteristic within the Equality Act 2010. This Council wishes, as a matter of policy, to provide that care experience is a protected characteristic and has due regard to this characteristic when it makes decisions and determines its plans and policies. 

"It is noted that the determination of this policy matter is an executive decision for Cabinet to make. Therefore, this Council resolves to treat care experience as if it were a protected characteristic within the meaning of s.149 of the Equality Act 2010, until such time as it may be introduced as legislation and that the Director of Children Services present a report to request give effect to this decision."

The motion was endorsed by presentations from several young people who have come through the care system and are now helping shape the futures for others through organisations including Thurrock Young Voices.

Thurrock Youbng Voices members speaking to the corporate parenting committee in July.

The presentations to council can be viewed via this link. Thurrock Young Voices also spoke to the council's corporate parenting committee in July, which can be viewed here.

This evening Cabinet Members approved the use of protected characteristics for care leavers, a decision which helps ensure the council considers how care experience impacts care leaver's opportunities.

It is part of the council's broader strategy to assist care leavers in achieving greater independence, with a particular focus on removing financial and social barriers.

Following the decision, the council will look at further ways that it can remove barriers for its care leavers including how they can work alongside local businesses in Thurrock to support care leavers into employment.

Cllr Hartstean told cabinet: "Recognising 'care experience' as a protected characteristic and providing the same protections as those the Equality Act 2010 is a vital step towards ensuring our young people receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

"We are committed to ensuring care leavers are not only supported by the council, but by the entire community. Through collaboration with local businesses and public services, we are keen to create a network of support that helps these young people to thrive.

"By making this next important step, we are creating an environment where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential, free from discrimination and stigma."