With the current continuing unrest and expected protests, we are aware of the impact this may be having on care experienced young people – Particularly on separated young people, young people from ethnic minorities & those at risk of getting involved.
Ideas to consider to support separated young people & young people from ethnic minority groups:

Reach out regularly to check in with these young people & remind them of the support available

Actively support young people to leave their houses and be in their community, through going shopping together/ going on a walk etc.

Talk through practical safety planning including:
a. What to do if they feel unsafe in their home
b. Who to do if they come across a protest
c. What to do if they are racially abused
d. Safe people in their community/people to call
e. When to call helplines/police etc.- See below.

Consider (when appropriate) – Could you do a BBQ/get together – consider inviting senior council members, (non uniform) members of the police, leaders from local refugee organisations to show the support the young people have.

Where separated young people are struggling, reach out to established community groups who may be able to support young people from particular countries Eg. Liverpool Pakistan Association etc.

Connect with Police and local refugee organisations, to ensure they are aware around Separated young people you are supporting, so you receive appropriate local intelligence.
Supporting young people who are at risk of getting involved
We recognise that some of the young people we support are at risk of getting involved in the current unrest & being recruited to the far right English Defence League and other similar groups. Actions to consider:

Check in and spend time with young people you are concerned about, discuss current situation & impact this is having on communities, challenging assumptions. Young People & Extremism – A Resource pack for youth workers & Shout Out UK’s video

Resources on countering disinformation & promoting political/media literacy among young people may be useful.

Encourage engagement with positive activities over the next few weeks.

Consider Prevent and safeguarding procedures where there are concerns.
Reporting Hate Crime information:

As always If you have witnessed or experienced hate crime of any kind, you can report it immediately by speaking to an officer or contacting police via 101.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Report anonymously: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org

Tell Mama – Report anti-muslim hate or islamaphobia
Links to organisations supporting separated young people:

Young Refugees & Migrants | The Children’s Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)

How to support refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people who have experienced trauma – UK Trauma Council

Supporting refugee children | Resources | YoungMinds

Independent Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children Support Service (IUSS) – Refugee Council

Asylum services | Migrant Help (migranthelpuk.org)
7th August 2024

National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum
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