A report from the Director of Children, Families and Education was presented by the Head of Permanence Service, providing an annual overview of the Corporate Parenting work undertaken in 2021-22. Members were informed of the work undertaken by the Local Authority and partners to fulfil its corporate parenting responsibilities. In particular, Members were signposted to the work of the participation and engagement service with Children Looked After and Care Leavers within the report, including the creation of a Care Leavers Hub ‘Our Space’. The report indicated how priorities relating to accommodation and housing, health and wellbeing, education and jobs, and transitions had been met over the past 12 months. The progress made in Fostering over the past year was highlighted, particularly in recruitment, however it was noted that challenges in expansion and retention of staffing remained. Members were also provided with a background to the Children Looked After and Care Leavers Strategy 2022-2025 and the next steps included within the strategy.

Members queried differences between the previous Children Looked After and Care Leavers Strategy, which expired in 2021, and the new strategy. Officers emphasised that there was a greater focus on clearly articulating the voice of children and young people in the new strategy. Members also praised the ‘Our Space’ care leavers hub, and in particular the work of staff in empowering young people and preparing them for the world.

On a motion by Councillor Collinson, seconded by Councillor Powell-Wilde, it was:

Resolved – That the Annual work programme and the work undertaken to ensure that the local authority and partners are effective corporate parents be endorsed.