There are certain times when some children cannot live with their families. In these circumstances, children will usually be cared for by the council. This is called being 'looked after'.
When a child comes into care, the council becomes its 'corporate parent'.
As a corporate parent, the collective responsibility for the child lies with the council's:
- elected members
- employees
- partner agencies
We aim to provide the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are looked after by us.
Our responsibilities
Our responsibilities to all children align with the Children's social care national framework (GOV.UK).
The outcomes described in the national framework are what children’s social care should achieve for the children, young people, and families they support. They reflect the core purpose of children’s social care.
There are four outcomes:
- Children, young people and families stay together and get the help they need if safe to do so.
- Children and young people are supported by their family network where it is safe to do so.
- Children and young people are safe in and outside of their homes.
- Children in care and care leavers have stable, loving homes.
Our responsibilities to children are based around three key pillars:
- placement Stability
- educational Progress
- emotional Wellbeing
When we are responsible for a child's care, we aim to:
- make sure they reach their full potential in all aspects of their life
- provide maximum life chance benefits from educational opportunities, health care and social care
- make sure they're safe
- make sure they receive quality services that meet their needs
- promote and achieve permanent placement options taking account of what is in their best interest
- involve planning for permanency and preparing children for the transition to permanent placements
- prepare cases for court (adoption hearings)
Corporate parenting principles:
- To act in the best interests, and promote the physical and mental health and well-being, of children and young people.
- To encourage those children and young people to express their views, wishes and feelings.
- To take into account the views, wishes and feelings of those children and young people.
- To help those children and young people gain access to, and make the best use of, services provided by the local authority and its relevant partners.
- To promote high aspirations, and seek to secure the best outcomes, for those children and young people.
- For those children and young people to be safe, and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work.
- To prepare those children and young people for adulthood and independent living.
Our pledge
We have made a pledge to children and young people in our care and leaving care. This pledge makes clear what services and support children can expect to receive from their corporate parents.
We regularly monitor our pledge promises, this helps us to continually improve our service provision and ensure our commitments reflect our service users changing needs.
