Events over the last 16 months have brought into sharp focus injustice and inequality and the effect of multi-dimensional racism on the lived experiences of families and communities. It has also highlighted the need for open conversation, reflection and action needed to support our shared values of fairness.
IROs are uniquely placed to share the voice of the child and highlight their experiences prior to and within the care system. In some local authorities the % of black and minoritized children and young people who are looked after is higher than the local average. NIROMP is beginning to explore why this may be the case and how does this affect the child’s journey in care and their outcomes. For example, are they the ones who achieve permanency later than others, have more placement moves, do less well in education or more likely to use the secure estate?
Safer Spaces will aim to provide a protected environment to enable IROs to have brave conversations, which might otherwise be avoided as too uncomfortable, so we can generate action-focussed, meaningful, and tailored outcomes, driven by the people they matter to.
Listening
A space to share feelings, perspectives, experiences, and ideas. One of the most important takeaways from listening to colleagues is how important a feeling of psychological safety is to our work, to how we care for ourselves, our children, each other.
Action
Silence is no longer an option. Now is the time to act. Let’s not got back to normal. Tackling racial discrimination and inequities, how they present challenges and barriers for IROs, and how they can be addressed.
Collaboration
Identify issues and opportunities for regional collaboration in the development of improvements to policy and practice focused on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
We won’t stop pushing and working to secure actions that will increase equality, diversity & inclusion. Silence and inaction is not an option.
— Sharon Martin
IROs are uniquely placed to share the voice of the child and highlight their experiences prior to and within the care system.
— Pritpal Sodhi
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