Children in Care to Receive Job and Housing Discrimination Protections

Bristol: The city is taking a big step to protect those who grew up in care. Bristol City Council is stepping up to tackle discrimination in jobs and housing. This comes after many folks raised concerns about the stigma that care-experienced individuals face.

The council has proposed a new rule to recognize care experience as a “locally protected characteristic.” This means it’ll be treated similarly to protections against racism or ableism. It’s a move that many hope will make a real difference.

Three young people from the care-experienced community shared their thoughts on this change. One of them pointed out that kids in care don’t choose their situation. They shouldn’t have to carry the weight of society’s judgment for something beyond their control.

Another young person mentioned that those with care experience often face tougher life challenges compared to their peers. By giving care experience this recognition, they believe it can help level the playing field and ensure fair treatment.

Around 1,400 young people in Bristol under 25 could benefit from these changes. The council is also looking to support local employers in making similar adjustments for their staff who have grown up in care.

While this locally protected characteristic isn’t the same as the legal protections under the Equalities Act, it’s a step in the right direction. Councillors are hopeful that the government will eventually review the law to provide nationwide protection for care-experienced individuals.

Green Councillor Christine Townsend emphasized the importance of this decision. She believes it sends a strong message about equality and inclusion for care-experienced children as they transition into adulthood. It’s all about ensuring they get the respect and support they deserve.