Oppression And Discrimination Of Looked After Children Social Work Essay

Oppression And Discrimination Of Looked After Children ten dollar billder Work actThis essay explores how the identity of Looked after pincerren (hereafter LAC) contribute to oppression and contrariety in two specific aras of Education and Health. The essay permit analyse the fictional character of legislation and policy in combating or promoting inconsistency and oppression. The history, societal attitudes, diversity, views of the pip-squeakren and theories underpinning LAC lead also be discussed. Fin onlyy I will focus on the implications and relevance to friendly hightail it utilise.Cocker and every last(predicate)ain (2008) identify LAC and young battalion as children in the charge of the local authority, by a safekeeping Order made by a court or wilful agreement with their pargonnt(s) to accommodate them. They may be looked after in childrens class by foster c bers, or other family members. All unaccompanied put ination see birthg children ar deemed LAC. For the purposes of clarity I will start by defining oppression, discrimination and discoloration. Thompson (1997) identifies oppression as the disregarding of individuals or assort of throngs rights resolveing in inhuman or abusive treatment with dominance and advocate by one group over a nonher. For Thompson (2006), discrimination refers to a exercise of unfair or un play off treatment of individuals or groups resulting in undermining the interests of people from a little powerful category inwardly society. Goffman (1963) highlights that stigma is constructed through affable interactions. The individual who is stigmatised is seen as below societal expectations. Similarly, Parker and Aggleton (2003) associate stigma with an instrument that chief(prenominal)tains boundaries between those with power and the powerless. This causes amicable inequalities that formulate into social norms that put up power structures. Through much(prenominal) power, social inequalities are de veloped take to creation of social norms. From the above definitions oppression, discrimination and stigma it can be deduced that the common elements are call out of power and privilege resulting in inequalities and disadvantage. LAC are one of the less fortunate groups of people in society who visualise such(prenominal) treatment because of their identity.The last three decades kick in experienced a huge overhaul and introduction of legislation and policies seeking to talk the un bendably of children. The Childrens cloak 1989 reformed Law relating to children and in authorityicular set off the framework for the provision of support for children and families and for the protection of children in England and Wales. This was in stemma with the United Nations on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC 1989) which was the first legally binding planetary instrument to move on the rights of children through egress the world. ( hit and Parker 2007). The Quality Protects (1998), Children Leaving kick action (2000), Adoption and Children Act (2002), the Choice Protects policy, the Childrens Act (2004), Every Child Matters (2004), Care Matters (Green and White Papers) and The Children and early Persons Act (2008) are nearly of the initiatives and legislation introduced to repay safeguarding children, and also as responses to reports of abuse, neglect, harm and safeguarding children in different institutions of residential care in the UK with the nigh publicised individual cases such as the remainders of capital of Seychelles Climbe (2000). It was set offed that Staff working(a) with vulnerable children was not adequately trained, rigorously canvas on recruitment, no support and vigilance towards diversity and openness. This led to Laming fancy (2003) which revealed significant failings indoors individuals and organisations which were meant to be looking after children.The Childrens Act (2004) emerged to instrument and address the recommendations. In 200 9 Lord Laming was also asked by the government to provide an emergency progress report on issues surrounding safeguarding children following the death of Baby P in 2007. He reinforced his earlier findings on arrangementatic and individual failures as the cause of the death of Baby P (Laming report 2009).Research has questioned the effectiveness of such initiatives in reducing discrimination of LAC. Examples of such research are Children experience of the Children Act (1989), Discrimination Against Young People in Care (1998) Remember my message (1993), The Multidimensional discourse Foster Care in England Project (2006), Barriers to change in the companionable Care (2000), Bursting at the seams (2010) and the recent Panorama BBC programme on experiences of children sledding Care (5 October 2010).The UK is a multicultural society with diversity which policy makers and legislators wishing to ac friendship. Blaine (2007) views diversity as the presence of differences in society in notification to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, social class and sexual orientation. These differences are neither good nor perverting however some of the differences are associated with inequality and disadvantage. complaisant work coiffe is concerned with addressing these differences and disadvantages (Burke and Parker 2007).thither is no exact figure for LAC but DfE Statistics (2010) reveal that in that location were about 64,400 LAC as at 31 display 2010 firearm the BBC Panorama ( 2010) mentioned around 70, 000 LAC as of 5 October meaning the number is increasing. The main reasons of being in care were abuse or neglect (52 per cent). There were 3,400 Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) who were looked after at 31 March 2010. This is a fall of 12 per cent from 2009. There is a decrease in the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children (UASC) (DfES 2010).Hogg and Vaughan (2002) views identity as associated with the process an individual becomes who they are in the consciousness of personhood and others view of who they are. moreover a person has multiple identities which indigence to be seen as part of the unharmed individual as disregarding some aspects would be deceptive and reductive of the individuals identity. Graham (2000) highlights that identities have different meanings and are not dictated but change over time as a result of environment, personal circumstances and outside influences. These influences will significantly affect the social experience and the self- vastness image of those defined, through, for example the experience of negative discrimination.All aspects of a childs identity make to be recognised and acknowledged heedless of gender, race, ethnicity or religion. By developing a exacting identity children are motivated and their self esteem is enhanced for them to feel a sense of rank, belonging and worth Blaine (2007). However Cocker and Allain (2008) argue that not all environments are positive in fostering thi s idea. When this occur the child becomes pull back and shy to open up and engage. Having a LAC identity endangers a child to be different, socially excluded, marginalised and denied equal opportunities in accessing function.(Assessing Children in Need 2000). As such social actors need to adopt and work with a culturally sensitive approach and apply the balancing act to enhance the resilience concept. (Masten 1994 cited in Daniel et al 2002).Burke and Parker (2007) highlight that the social work setting and the involvement of a social worker in a childs manners apply and identify the child as different. From my experience in social care practice I agree with Burke and Parker when they note that the bureaucratic and comprehensive paperwork, regular review and educational meetings, visits, pertain arrangements and procedures and guidelines are associated with the LAC these are not experienced by most children in normal life-time settings. However this argument is dismissed by G arret (2003) cited in Burke and Parker (2007) when he affirms that paperwork and bureaucratic procedures are essential tools for a social worker to use in supporting them identify and address crucial developmental involve of the child but should however encourage more one- to -one contact with the child rather than spending time on paperwork.Because of their identity a LAC they are disadvantaged and discriminated against at school sidereal days and in matters related to Education. They most liable(predicate) essay being expelled from School due to behaviour (DfE 2010).Statistics verbalize that a third of LAC take holds a GCSE and a but fifth obtain fewer than five GCSEs. Although these figures are lower than a few old age ago, they are unbosom much higher than for children as a whole more than half not obtaining five or more GCSEs compared to less than one in ten children as a whole (DfE 2010)The Social Exclusion Unit (2003) published a document A best(p) Education for C hildren in Care, (Thompson and Thompson 2003) which highlighted five reasons for the low skill levels ranging from instability caused by insecure tushments, bullying, lack of support and encouragement at home, time out of school due to expulsion, support and encouragement and emotional, mental or corporal health.Schofield and Beek (2009) suggest that parents and people at home where the child lives need to be supportive and encouraging to the child learning conquest. School environment should bring forward learning that develops a child holistically to facilitate the self discovery system and accepting themselves as they interact with other children. They also note that this is not always the case as children are disrupted of continuity in settling and making friends if identifyment breaks down. Sometimes bullying at school results in low self esteem. Although most local authorities have put in place a number of inter corrective services looking at the physical, mental sound ly being of children discrepancies still exist. However in Jackson and McParlin (2006) in their article The education of children in care professionals are seen to be making assumptions and jumping into conclusions ending up giving labels and long prescribed long landmark solutions to short term problems unnecessarily. This is associated with neglect and discrimination. More training and awareness of diversity, anti discriminatory practices and personalized person centred approach should be reinforced (Every Child Matters 2004).Morgan (2010) argues that the problem of ridiculous school performance in LAC lies in the care and education system not in the children. He argues that the care and education systems do not address pre care experiences of the childs low attainment and also fail to address the aftermath or the stupor of separation when children are removed from their families. The child may be suffering from undiagnosed post traumatic tense which can erupt in any confined environment such as school classrooms. He also contends that teachers have no knowledge of the childs history. Teacher training does not equip teachers with knowledge of the care system and on addressing behaviour from LAC.Jackson et al (2005) cited in Morgan (2010) carried out a research with students in Higher education who had a care orbit over a five-year period. The respondents experienced a high level of trauma, abuse and neglect but were placed in foster homes that were supportive and cute education. The findings revealed that foster families who support education and celebrate the childs achievements are more likely to compensate to some level of the pre care experiences and promote higher attainment in education. It is important to place children in placements which are supportive to the childs success in education, foster resilience and offer a safe place to grow and achieve. To support childrens eudaemonia the government has put in place the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) with a commitment to promote the well-being of children and those who are tough in their care. Children and Young Persons Act (2008).Dunnett et al (2006) acknowledged the initiatives by Government such as the improvement of health of LAC as important and the proposed Care Planning for LAC and Care Leavers to be use April 2011. However match to research a number of health deficits still prevailed such as ill health, poor diagnosis, and dental neglect, neglect of routine immunisation screening, poor diagnosis, limited solicitude to chronic ill health and limited attention to mental health problems. A study carried out by Loughborough University for the division of Health (2006) revealed inconsistencies and concerns on consultation and treatment. Also studies revealed that teenagers in care found it difficult to discuss sex education due to fear, lack of retirement and trust. They wanted a significant trustworthy person to confide in. As such most of their health nee ds are overlooked and not met as they are labelled, stereotyped and marginalised. Axford (2008) in her article exploring social expulsion noted this difficulty as more prevalent among children from Black heathenish Minority background who face a cultural, language and racism within organisations that are meant to support and look after them especially asylum seekers. In the article LAC experiences of the Children Act (1989) highlighted that there are continuing myths about the Act which are still disadvantaging LAC. The children still feel they are not full aware of their rights under the Act as they face day to day regulations and successive barriers. Children still feel they do not receive what the truth says they should. A typical example was in socialising with restrictions on risk appraisals for overnight stays by teenagers in care. This has brought a sense of discrimination and marginalisation as it is for normal teenagers to do overnight stays. Prout (2000) cited in Glenny and Roaf (2008) further picked up another conflict and tension among within government departments and targets when he mentions that control and self realisation are both present in legislation and policy but in tension. On one gang there is the idea of viewing children as individuals with a capacity for self realisation within a safe societal environment date in the other camp there is the idea of viewing children as vulnerable and requiring control, regulation and surveillance. One example is the Youth Matters Four Challenges to help teenagers achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes. ( DfES 2005)Social workers need to listen, engage and work in partnership with looked after children. In a research by Holland (2010) exploring the Ethics of Care as beingmarginalised, not being implemented and recognised, it was evidenced that lasting relationships are disrupted by placements as children a great deal acknowledged their links to their past and significant people in their lives. T his highlights the importance of their individual pathway in promoting their wellbeing and interpersonal relationships and future achievements. Clarke (2010) emphasises the need to sustain and promote lasting care relationships with formal carers and social workers to avoid the consequences of loss, neglect and worthlessness by listening to their story, exploring and putting their needs and choices first. Oliver et al (2006)s Briefing Paper Advocacy for LAC unveiled that research has highlighted that there were some ambivalence within professionals as to what extent children must be involved in decision making to matters concerning their care as well as resource barriers. To overcome these constraints Winter (2009) suggested regular contact, feedback, advocacy and putting the needs of the child first need to be priority as children value being listened to and having their wishes fulfilled by active participation in matters concerning their wellbeing.In a consultation exercise with y oung persons leaving care as part of my coursework, they highlighted that sometimes they did not receive any satisfactory feedback from social workers when they need it. Also they mentioned that there was a lot of bureaucracy such as reviews or educational meetings which made them feel treated differently. Social work regular visits at school made them feel stigmatised. The respondents matte up they wanted to be treated as normal children not service users. Barriers to Change in the Social Care (2000), a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, supports that there should be a human rights approach in working with LAC.Glenny and Roaf (2008) suggested early Intervention is essential to support children and families before problems either from within the family or as a result of external factors, which have an impact on both the child and family. Statutory and voluntary organisations have an duty to work in partnership for the success of early intervention agenda. Teamwork will estab lish protocols which will help to ensure early indications of being at risk of social exclusion are addressed and receive ripe attention.McLeod (1998) highlighted the need to acknowledge Child development which enable children accept and discover themselves through stages and exposure to promote self awareness, confidence, self esteem and positive attitudes. McLeod highlighted Freuds psycho-analysis theory (1859-1939), Ericksons psycho-social development theory (1950) and Bowlbys attachment theory (1969). This view is share in the literature review by Hunt (2003) cited in Ritchie (2005) which highlights that although there is no concrete evidence of kinship care over non kin foster care there are indications that chances are the former promotes the childs wellbeing and welfare than the latter. It is important for social workers to be aware of child developmental needs and how valuable family ties are. Schofield and Beek, (2005) cited in Shaw (2010) affirms that past relationships with family and professionals has an impact on the childs wellbeing and ability to cope with life on their own. Active parenting focusing on the childs needs and positive engagement with the child will help and promote skills to deal with difficult situations in life. Social workers need to promote resilience to empower children to face challenges and deal with their past and future (Daniel and Wassell 2002) .Bates et al (1997) suggests that assessment framework should foster identity and acknowledge diversity in aver to promote a childs perception of themselves and their environment. Social workers need to employ anti-discriminatory practice with opportunities and resources for self discovery through interaction (Assessment for Children in need intrust 2000). The Children and Young Persons Act (2008) also emphasises its commitment to promote a childs well being and the people involved in the care of the child.This essay discussed a particular aspect of discrimination and oppressi on among LAC and extent to which legislation, policy, practice and services relevant to social work exacerbate or assist in overcoming negative experiences of LAC. Although there has been notable initiatives in addressing the needs of LAC for the past ten years a lot still has to be done in terms of societal attitudes, resources and safeguarding. To achieve the every child matters outcomes all the stakeholders need to work together by putting the needs and act in the best interest of the child. By listening and engaging with LAC practitioners will be able to improve Childrens quality of life. Anti discriminatory practice, empowerment, diversity and equal opportunities practices are part of the answer.