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On 4 August 2009, Ofsted published a report which highlights the views and experiences of children living in care and the prejudices they face as a result.
The report finds that almost 50% of children in care worry about other people knowing their background, mainly because they fear being judged, bullied or treated differently. The report surveys the views of 362 children invited to take part randomly from children’s homes and foster care across the country. Of these, 276 completed a detailed survey.
Findings reveal that almost half are chiefly worried about employers, potential landlords and other children and young people discovering they have been in some form of care. Those concerned about employers becoming aware of such personal information thought it could affect their chances of getting a job.
However, the majority of children disclose that they are not treated either better or worse than others because they have been in care. Reflecting on their upbringing, for most it meant being supported and looked after properly by good carers or staff. For a few it also meant being safe and for one young person, feeling happier because they were protected from abuse.
Care and prejudice: a report of children’s experience by the Children’s Rights Director for England