Decision details

          The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise which presented and sought approval of the revised Pledge to Children in Care.

          It was reported that the Government’s Green Paper “Care Matters: Transforming the Lives of Young People in Care” and the subsequent White Paper “Care Matters: Time for Change”, identified steps that needed to be taken to improve outcomes for children and young people in care.

          Members were advised that one of the key aims was to improve the role of the corporate parent, as part of children’s trusts.  The corporate parent had responsibility and accountability for the wellbeing and future prospects of children in care and care leavers.  It was further noted that it was equally important that children had a chance to shape and influence the parenting they received.  

          The report set out the Government’s expectations for improving the role of the corporate parent and it was reported that work on the Pledge commenced in October 2008 and concluded with young people accepting the final version in March 2009.

          The Pledge was reviewed with children and care leavers in July 2013 and it was noted that young people felt that much of the previous Pledge remained relevant and that they would prefer to see the commitments presented in a fuller and more self-explanatory way.  The result of their work was appended to the report for information and set out 12 points that children and care leavers had indicated were key to improving outcomes for them.

          Arising from discussion of the report the Board discussed scrutiny of work carried out to ensure the 12 key points were met, the possibility of Members attending meetings with young people to hear their views and requested that an update be brought to the Board in 12 months.

          RESOLVED: That the Board

1)          endorse the Pledge and actions to promote the Pledge to the Council, Children’s Trust and other partners;

2)          identify actions to support the commitments to Children in Care; and

3)          receive an update report in 12 months.