As a council we are legally responsible to act as Corporate Parents to children and young people who are either in or from care. This means not only keeping our young people safe but also ensuring they have suitable accommodation, are financially stable and have access to opportunities and have support in gaining education, employment and training.
To thrive, children and young people have certain key needs that good parents generally meet. There are seven key principles that local authorities must have regard to when exercising their functions in relation to looked after children and young people, these are as follows: Department for Education (2018) Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked After Children and Care Leavers; Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities. London: Department for Education.
Seven key principles
- To act in the best interests, and promote the physical and mental health and wellbeing, of children and young people
- To encourage children and young people to express their views, wishes and feelings
- To take into account the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people
- To help children and young people gain access to, and make the best use of, services provided by Wirral Council and its relevant partners
- To promote high aspirations, and seek to secure the best outcomes for children and young people
- For children and young people to be safe, and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work
- To prepare children and young people for adulthood and independent living