Jemeillia Murfin grew up in care so she is well placed to know its strengths, how it can be improved and how we can help fulfil the mental, physical, social and emotional needs of children who are now experiencing what shie did.
And now Jemeillia 19, is using her knowledge and life experiences to help and support other children as Devon County Council’s new Young Corporate Parenting Lead.
When she was 16 she started campaigning for children in care and care leavers in a role linked to the Independent Care Review 2022 with the Children’s Society.
By 17 she was delivering speeches across the UK about her experiences and the changes that needed to be made to improve the system.
Jemeillia is also doing her apprenticeship in business administration with the Lifelong Links team, has been in her new post for around a month now.
She works closely with Stand Up Speak Up (SUSU), Devon’s Children in Care Council.
The Council has been created to represent the views and experiences of care experienced young people to ensure that they have say on the issues that affect them and that their needs are at the very heart of the strategic decision-making process that impact on their lives.
Jemeillia Murfin said:
“I’ve been advocating change since I was 16 and I’ve been awarded this position so I can dedicate all my time to improving quality care in Devon.
“I’ve been both in foster care and residential care which in itself is a lesson and it taught me both the strength and weaknesses of children’s services.
“I’m proud to be involved in the council’s decision making and even more excited about empowering children in care to have more choice, more control, and more love in their lives.”
She added: “Empowering is the word I would use to describe working for Devon County Council, because I can stand up for other children in care and care leavers and help support senior management to understand what the consequences are for those on the receiving end of care.
“To have a say in decision making around the development of quality care is going to create change within itself.
“My work is so intertwined with my personal life as these decisions made will impact my life and thousands of others and I want it to be positive and transformational. My passion is only getting stronger, and I hope it reaches children too.”
If you are in care or a care leaver you can go to Stand Up Speak Up website to find out about Devon’s Children in Care Council and how you can have a say on issues that affect you.