Changing the stigma…Empowering care experienced (LAC) for a better future by Susan Vickers

By Susan Vickers

Introduction

In our journey to reshape perceptions and empower lives, we often encounter stories that reveal the profound impact of stigma on children in care and care experienced individuals. LAC, or Looked After Children, face unique challenges that can significantly affect their mental health and overall well-being. These challenges are not insurmountable barriers; instead, they are calls to action for us to address the stigma, improve understanding, and enhance support systems. By focusing on LAC, we aim to spotlight the necessity of changing the narrative around care experience and the importance of mental health support for these vulnerable groups. It's an issue that demands our attention and commitment to foster positive change.

Our article delves into the realities faced by LAC, exploring the multifaceted challenges that amplify the urgency for a concerted effort to shift societal perceptions and eliminate the stigma associated with care experience. We will highlight the significance of changing the narrative around care experienced children and care experienced lives, underscoring the vital role of advocacy in this transformation. Furthermore, we'll outline practical steps for individuals and communities to take in supporting LAC and empowering them toward a better future. Our discussion is not just an exposition of challenges; it's a roadmap towards empowerment and societal change, with a clear call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for care experienced people.

Challenges Faced by LAC

Daily Life Struggles

In our exploration of the challenges faced by Looked After Children (LAC), we encounter profound daily life hurdles that significantly impact their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Many of these children have experienced severe disruptions in their early attachment processes, which is the emotional bond that typically forms between an infant and caregiver. This disruption often stems from chaotic home environments and can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues. For instance, a child who has not had regular access to food may develop survival behaviors, such as hoarding food when it is available, due to the uncertainty of their next meal. This behavior is not just about food but extends to other possessions, leading them to hold on to items like coats or phones out of fear of losing them. The inability to trust, stemming from fractured or entirely severed relationships, makes it challenging for these children to see adults, including teachers and caregivers, as trustworthy.

Systemic Issues

On a systemic level, LAC face numerous barriers that exacerbate their challenges. The frequent changes in carers or social workers undermine the trust and stability they desperately need. The Timpson Review of 2019 highlights that LAC are twice as likely to be excluded from mainstream schools due to behavioral issues, pointing to significant gaps in our educational and care systems. Moreover, the care system, despite its best efforts, is often under strain, leading to a lack of consistent and skilled support for these vulnerable children. This inconsistency can leave them feeling isolated and unsupported, further damaging their already low self-esteem. Additionally, looked-after children are often required to 'grow up' much sooner than their peers, with formal support ceasing at the age of 16, thrusting them into independence without the gradual transition that their counterparts experience.

By understanding these daily struggles and systemic issues, we can begin to address the specific needs of LAC, ensuring they receive the consistent support and understanding required to thrive.

Changing the Narrative

We understand that to truly empower LAC and shift the societal views that surround them, it's crucial to change the narrative in both media representation and public perception. This transformation is not just about altering stories but about redefining the very essence of how LAC are viewed and discussed in society.

Media Representation

In our efforts to reshape the narrative, we focus on the media's role as a powerful tool in influencing public opinion. Historically, media portrayal of LAC has often been narrow and fraught with stereotypes that reinforce stigma rather than dismantle it. By promoting stories that highlight the resilience, diversity, and achievements of LAC, rather than just their challenges, we can begin to paint a more accurate and empowering picture. It's about showing that these individuals are not defined by their circumstances but are shaped by their talents, dreams, and aspirations. This shift in media representation is crucial in educating the public and inspiring a more supportive and understanding approach towards LAC.

Public Perception Shifts

Simultaneously, we are committed to influencing public perception. This involves engaging with communities to educate and inform them about the realities and potential of LAC. Through workshops, public talks, and collaborative projects, we aim to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and fear that often surround LAC. By providing factual information and real-life success stories, we encourage communities to view LAC not as subjects of pity or charity but as equal participants in society with valuable contributions to make. This shift is not overnight; it requires consistent effort and engagement to cultivate a community that embraces and supports LAC, recognising their potential and rights as individuals.

Through these concerted efforts in changing media representation and shifting public perception, we aim to create an environment where LAC can thrive free from the constraints of societal stigma. This is not just a campaign; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Power of Advocacy

Advocacy plays a pivotal role in reshaping societal perceptions and enhancing the support systems for Looked After Children (LAC). By leveraging the influence of organisations and public figures, we can amplify our efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for these vulnerable groups.

Role of Organisations

We recognise the importance of comprehensive care systems in building equitable societies. Our commitment is to promote these systems not only as a welfare measure but as a crucial economic driver. By inviting experienced authorities and organisations from both the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean to contribute to our initiatives, we ensure a diverse range of voices and experiences enrich our advocacy efforts. These contributions, ranging from writing opinion articles to participating in our annual assemblies, are vital in pushing for greater representation and decision-making in areas critical to peacebuilding and gender equality.

Influence of Public Figures

The impact of celebrities and public figures in advocacy cannot be understated. Their public disclosures about personal challenges with mental health can significantly influence public attitudes and behaviors towards mental health conditions, encouraging a more accepting and supportive stance. We've seen numerous public figures, from internationally renowned artists like Lady Gaga and Serena Williams to influencers on social platforms, openly discuss their struggles. These disclosures are often incorporated into structured anti-stigma programs, enhancing their reach and effectiveness. By strategically utilising these stories in media and public campaigns, we can further reduce stigma and foster a more understanding society.

Our advocacy efforts are designed to create lasting change by engaging influential sectors and individuals in meaningful dialogue and action. This collaborative approach ensures that the voices of LAC are heard and their rights are actively protected in our society.

Practical Steps for Change

Local Community Actions

We can initiate significant change at the local level by engaging with organisations like Enable, which has long championed the Local Area Coordination (LAC) service. This approach supports individuals with learning disabilities and their families without needing a formal referral. Our community can enhance inclusivity by collaborating with coordinators who focus on empowering individuals to live the lives they choose, emphasising their abilities rather than limitations. For instance, we can work together to make local activities and services more inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, feels welcomed and valued.

National Campaigns

At the national level, our voices are crucial in shaping policies that affect the lives of care-experienced individuals. By getting involved with organisations like Become and NYAS, we can help drive campaigns that keep children in care close to their important personal connections and advocate for their rights and entitlements. Both organisations offer a wealth of resources and support, aiming to safeguard and empower young people. Participating in these campaigns, we can help ensure that the needs of care-experienced children are met, from promoting healthy relationships to supporting their pursuit of higher education. Through persistent advocacy and public engagement, we can contribute to a systemic transformation that respects and upholds the dignity of every child in care.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we've delved into the multifaceted challenges and systemic issues faced by Looked After Children (LAC), underlining the urgency and importance of transforming societal perceptions and enhancing support systems for these vulnerable groups. Drawing from lived experiences, we've explored the profound daily struggles of LAC, the pressing need for a narrative shift in media representation and public perception, and the undeniable power of advocacy in driving societal change. Our journey reaffirms the belief that understanding, support, and empowerment can pave the way towards a future where every LAC has the opportunity to thrive, unencumbered by stigma and empowered by a community's unwavering support.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to champion the cause of LAC, utilising the insights and strategies discussed to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The involvement and action of every individual, community, and organisation can contribute significantly to this transformation. It is through persistent advocacy, community engagement, and public education that we can dismantle the barriers faced by care-experienced individuals and foster a world that recognises and realises their potential. For those seeking to contribute further to this essential cause, head over to the Susan Vickers Foundation for more information http://www.susanvickersfoundation.org, where resources and guidance await to propel our collective efforts forward in empowering LAC for a better future.