What is Corporate Parenting?

When a child comes into care, the local authority has a statutory responsibility to act as the ‘corporate parent’.  This mean it has the collective responsibility along with its elected members, employees, and partner agencies to be the best parent it can be to that child. Every member and employee of the council must act for that child in the same way that a good parent would act for their own child.

Being a corporate parent is about wanting the best for the child, to see them:

  • flourish with good health
  • be safe and happy
  • do well at school and enjoy good relationships with their peers
  • contribute to their community
  • make the most of leisure opportunities, youth work services, hobbies and interests
  • grow towards adulthood equipped to lead an independent life
  • make their way as adults through education, good careers and jobs of their choice, and to be financially secure

Whilst the statutory responsibility for corporate parenting is with local authorities, any organisation can have a role in a child or young person’s life.  That is why we are encouraging all public sector bodies, private sector and the third sector organisations to become a corporate parent to care-experienced children and young people.

In short, it’s about treating a care experienced child or young person with the love and support that you would treat your own.

Corporate Parenting Charter

The Welsh Government has developed a Corporate Parenting Charter so organisations wanting to become corporate parents can sign up – link below

Corporate parenting charter | GOV.WALES

On signing the charter, organisations receive a welcome letter and pledge template from the Welsh Government.