CARE leavers’ rights could take an important step forward next week if councillors of a new authority adopt a historic piece of legislation.
Cumbria’s seven councils are set to be reorganised into two by April 1, 2023.
Westmorland & Furness Council will govern Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow-in-Furness on that date while Cumberland Council will take over in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.
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The new councils are currently meeting as Shadow Authorities to carrying out important preparatory work before they launch next year.
Members of Westmorland & Furness Council will meet in Kendal on Wednesday September 28.
And Councillor Judy Filmore will propose that the new authority treats care experience as a protected characteristic, meaning that it must not be a barrier to a care leaver’s future or opportunities.
Cllr Filmore’s motion also proposes that in preparation for its takeover in 2023, the council recognises that care experienced people are an oppressed group who face discrimination.
She will also propose that the council formally calls on all other bodies to treat experience of the care system as a protected characteristic.
If the motion is passed, Westmorland & Furness Council would join Cumberland Council in adopting the legislation.
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The proposal is informed by a national review of children’s social care, led by Eden man Josh MacAlister.
It proposes a root and branch overhaul of social care, shifting the focus to preventative measures as Mr MacAlister found that the approach has become too reactive.
The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care recommends that Government passes the protected characteristics legislation.
Mr MacAlister’s review said: “Making care experience a protected characteristic would provide greater authority to employers, businesses, public services, and policy makers to put in place policies and programmes which promote better outcomes for care experienced people.
“It will make the UK the first country in the world to recognise care experienced people in this way.”
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