What is it all about?
Corporate parenting is when local councils and other public organisations share responsibility for making sure that children and young people in care and care leavers, have their rights protected, and get the same chances in life as other children.
Welsh Government describe a good corporate parent as being able to make sure care experienced children and young people are given the opportunities to be safe, happy, do well at school, enjoy good relationships with peers, contribute to the community, can get involved in hobbies/youth work, are equipped to lead an independent adult life, can choose their education, jobs and careers as adults and have financial stability.
Wales has a corporate parenting charter, which is a set of shared principles and promises that organisations can sign up to. This means that they agree to be a good corporate parent and commit to fulfilling the collective principles and promises set out in it.
How does it affect me?
Corporate parenting for local authorities means including children and young people in decisions about their care, involving them in the design of services and encourage services and organisations to hire people with lived experience. Corporate parents should also listen to the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people in care and care leavers, so their voice is at the centre of decision making.