SCIE/NICE recommendations on looked after children: Promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people

Diversity

A disproportionate number of looked-after children and young people are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and have particular needs. Other looked-after children and young people also have particular needs, such as those seeking asylum and those who are gay or lesbian. Ensuring their needs are adequately met requires special attention and expertise to champion their rights. Strategic plans need to identify how appropriate services will be commissioned to ensure these looked-after children and young people are not marginalised.

Whose health and wellbeing will benefit?

The recommendations in this section aim to help looked-after children and young people who:

Recommendation 33 is about unaccompanied asylum seekers with looked-after status, and recommendation 34 is about black and minority ethnic children and young people.

Recommendation 26 Ensure everyone understands diversity issues

Who should take action?

Recommendation 27 Share learning about diversity

Who should take action?

Recommendation 28 Appoint a diversity champion

Who should take action?

Recommendation 29 Produce and use a diversity profile

Who should take action?

Recommendation 30 Ensure there is a diverse range of placements

Who should take action?

Recommendation 31 Carry out core assessments

Who should take action?

Recommendation 32 Embed diversity in local plans

Who should take action?

Recommendation 33 Provide expertise relating to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people who are looked after

Whose health and wellbeing will benefit?

Recommendation 34 Provide expertise relating to black and minority ethnic children and young people

Whose health and wellbeing will benefit?

Who should take action?

13.
For further details refer to: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2010) Sufficiency: statutory guidance on securing sufficient accommodation for looked after children. London: Department for Children, Schools and Families.