Croydon Council’s approach to one of its most important roles – as corporate parent to children and young people in and leaving care – has been approved by the Executive Mayor in Cabinet.
The voices of Croydon’s care leavers and children looked after have shaped the council’s three-year strategies. They set out the council’s promise to provide children and young people in care with stable and loving homes, and support them during and after care to grow into happy and successful adults.
The priority areas – housing, education, employment and training, permanence stability and health and transitioning into adulthood have been highlighted by children and care-experienced young people as areas for the council to improve. Young people will continue to be involved in shaping the services they receive, advising and challenging the council and partners on its delivery and progress.
Progress will be overseen by a new corporate parenting board, co-chaired by young people and supported by young ambassadors. These ambassadors will influence the agenda and activity to keep the focus on what really matters to them and their future.
More information on the corporate parenting and care leavers strategies can be found on the council website.
“This is our promise as to how we will fulfil our role as corporate parents to all our children and young people. We will do everything possible to provide them with stable and loving homes, and support them as they transition into adulthood.
“We’ve worked with young people with lived experience and children looked after to understand what matters to them, and where we need to get better. I want to thank every one of them for the important work they have done. We will continue to listen to our children and young people, and make sure their voices and lived experiences influence every aspect of the care and support they receive.
“I’m proud of the work that has taken place, and optimistic it will lead to better outcomes for the children and young people we are privileged to care for.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
