This is one of a number of regular reports to Cabinet and Council on its role as legal "Corporate Parent" to the Children and Young People Looked After by the Council, and those Leaving Care to live independently.

The report addresses Council-wide improvements in Corporate Parenting, including enhanced accountability for this highly vulnerable group. It also reports on the progress and challenges posed in caring for the County's most vulnerable young people.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)                           continue to support  the Corporate Parenting Strategy;

(b)                          note the information on outcomes for our Looked After Children, and the service performance measures; and

(c)                           take note that a revised placement strategy is expected to return to Cabinet in June 2010.

Cabinet considered one of regular reports that came to Cabinet on its role as legal "Corporate Parent" to the Children and Young People Looked After by the Council, and those Leaving Care to live independently.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families in introducing the report highlighted the work of the Children in Care Council who were holding their own Conference in June 2010. She also referred to the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel in carrying out inspections of Children’s Homes which had led to a number of issues being addressed. She thanked members for their involvement. The Pledge made by Cabinet had had positive results with computers being provided to youngsters who were very positive about the benefits gained. She paid tribute to the virtual school who did an outstanding job.

The Cabinet Member also referred to the challenge in relation to childrens’ placements and steps taken to ensure that the service provided was better than good.

The Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement added that schools and governors were reminded of their corporate parenting responsibilities. Schools had a specific staff member, there were individual education plans and schools worked successfully through and with others in the virtual school.

RESOLVED:                        to:

(a)                           continue to support  the Corporate Parenting Strategy;

(b)                           note the information on outcomes for our Looked After Children, and the service performance measures; and

(c)                           take note that a revised placement strategy is expected to return to Cabinet in June 2010.