Tackling the Stigma Surrounding Care

A Commitment to Change

Welcome back, and thank you for walking this journey with us.

In our previous blogs, we’ve explored the importance of connection, empowerment, and listening to the voices of young people. Today, we turn our attention to a challenge that many children and young people in care face daily but is rarely spoken about openly: stigma.

Stigma creates barriers. It fosters misunderstanding, exclusion, and judgment, often compounding the challenges that young people in care already experience. At Indicare, we believe that breaking these barriers is just as important as providing care.

Let’s dive into how we can work together to challenge misconceptions, educate others, and create a society where every child, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected.

Understanding the Stigma Around Care

Young people in care are often unfairly labeled, misunderstood, or judged because of their circumstances. Whether it’s through harmful stereotypes, assumptions about their behaviour, or even the way the media portrays the care system, stigma can make them feel isolated and ‘othered.’

This stigma doesn’t just affect their self-esteem—it can also impact their relationships, education, and opportunities. It creates a cycle of exclusion that can be difficult to break.

At Indicare, we believe that the first step to tackling stigma is understanding it. By listening to young people’s stories, we learn about the challenges they face and the ways stigma affects their lives. And through these stories, we find the inspiration to educate others and drive meaningful change.

Challenging Misconceptions

Stigma thrives on misinformation and misunderstanding. That’s why one of our key goals at Indicare is to challenge the misconceptions surrounding care.

We work to educate communities, schools, and professionals about the realities of care, emphasising that young people in care are individuals—not defined by their circumstances, but by their resilience, creativity, and potential.

Whether it’s through training sessions, awareness campaigns, or simply sharing real stories, we aim to replace stereotypes with empathy and judgment with understanding.

Creating Safe Spaces

For young people in care, a safe space isn’t just about physical safety—it’s about emotional safety, too. It’s about being in an environment where they can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or rejection.

At Indicare, we strive to create these spaces, whether during a Regulation 44 visit, a return interview, or a casual conversation. We ensure that young people feel seen, heard, and respected, and we encourage them to share their thoughts about how stigma affects them.

By fostering these safe spaces, we help young people build confidence in their identity and teach them that they are more than the labels others may place on them.

Empowering Young People to Defy Stigma

Breaking stigma isn’t just about changing how others see young people in care—it’s also about helping young people see themselves in a positive light.

We work with young people to build their self-esteem, encouraging them to focus on their strengths, achievements, and potential. By helping them develop confidence and resilience, we empower them to challenge stigma head-on—whether it’s by sharing their stories, standing up for themselves, or simply refusing to let others’ perceptions define them.

Celebrating Success Stories

One of the most powerful ways to combat stigma is by celebrating the successes of young people in care. Their stories of overcoming challenges, pursuing dreams, and achieving goals are a testament to their resilience and strength.

At Indicare, we’re committed to amplifying these success stories, showing the world that young people in care are not victims of their circumstances but individuals with limitless potential. By highlighting their achievements, we hope to inspire others in care and challenge society to rethink its assumptions.

The Role We All Play in Breaking Stigma

Breaking the stigma surrounding care isn’t something that can be achieved by one person or organisation alone. It’s a collective effort that requires understanding, empathy, and action from everyone—whether you’re a carer, teacher, social worker, or member of the wider community.

By educating ourselves, challenging stereotypes, and supporting young people in care, we can help create a society that values and uplifts every child.

Looking Ahead: A Future Without Stigma

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to tackling stigma in all its forms. We’ll continue to listen to young people, share their stories, and work to create a world where they are defined not by their circumstances but by their dreams and potential.

Because every child deserves to feel proud of who they are.

Join Us in Breaking Barriers

We can’t do this alone. Whether you’re a young person in care, a professional in the field, or someone who wants to make a difference, your voice matters. Together, we can challenge misconceptions, educate others, and create a society that sees every child for who they truly are.

If you have a story to share or an idea to help break the stigma, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out via the email address below, and let’s continue this important work together.

Until next time, thank you for standing with us as we challenge stigma, celebrate resilience, and strive for a future where every young person feels valued.

Let’s keep breaking barriers.