A Welsh council official has spoken out against the practice of making children in care transport their personal items in bin bags when moving home, calling it “categorically not okay.” The issue arose following a BBC report which highlighted that some children and young care-leavers in Wales had been subjected to this practice, causing further trauma during their time in the care system.
Sarah Skuse, the Cardiff Council operational manager for assessment and care planning, addressed concerns during a scrutiny committee meeting. Councillor Sian-Elin Melbourne queried whether Cardiff was participating in the National Youth Advocacy Service’s (NYAS) campaign to end this practice. Skuse affirmed that every young person has access to appropriate bags to move their belongings and stated that the use of bin bags is unacceptable.
Emphasising the council’s stance on the matter, Skuse mentioned that social workers have access to holdalls in council offices for children who require them. Cardiff Council joined NYAS’ campaign, named Many Things Matter, which aims to ensure that children and young people in care are treated with dignity and respect when relocating. The council’s commitment to this cause aligns with their goal of creating a child-friendly city, as stated by Councillor Ash Lister, the cabinet member for children’s services.
As the 50th local authority in England and Wales to support NYAS’ campaign and one of nine Welsh councils to do so, Cardiff Council acknowledges the importance of providing a smooth and dignified transition for children in care during a challenging period. The council’s dedication to upholding the rights and well-being of children and young people in care reflects their alignment with NYAS’ objectives.
Moving forward, Cardiff Council continues its efforts to support vulnerable children and young care-leavers, ensuring that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve during transitions in the care system. The commitment to ending the practice of using bin bags for personal belongings underscores the council’s dedication to improving the experiences of those in care across Cardiff and beyond.