Sandwell Corporate Parenting
What is Corporate Parenting
Corporate Parenting is the collective responsibility of the Local Authority, Sandwell Children’s Trust, elected members, employees, and partner agencies, to provide the best possible care, support and safeguarding of children in their care. This term is often used when a child comes into care, and the Council/Trust becomes the "Corporate Parent".
The Local Government Association (LGA) define this term as:
“Being a corporate parent means doing everything we can for every child in the council’s care – and every care leaver – to give them the opportunities that other children get.
This covers everything from keeping an eye on their progress at school, to looking after their health and wellbeing, to preparing them for life as independent adults – and supporting them when they get there.
We need to be ambitious for the children in our care, encouraging them to dream big and take chances even if they don’t feel like that’s been an option in the past.”
LGA: Corporate Parenting Pack, 2019
We are all corporate parents, and to ensure the best outcome for Sandwell children and young people, we should always be thinking 'Would this be good enough for my child?'
Who is a Corporate Parent?
A shared responsibility with all officers and members of the local authority to act as effective and caring corporate parents for looked-after children, with key roles in improving their educational attainment, providing stable and high-quality placements and proper planning for when they leave care.DfE, 2013
As Corporate Parents, it is our responsibility to improve outcomes of children we care for and care experienced young people up to the age of 25 years old. This means offering the stability, support and opportunities that every good parent would provide.
We are responsible and accountable for the well-being, safety, and prospects of our children and young people. This includes their celebrating their achievements and addressing the difficulties and challenges they experience in care as they move into adulthood.
Sandwell Corporate Parenting Board:
Sandwell Corporate Parenting Board meets Quarterly to address issues affecting the children we care for and care experienced young people. The board takes effective steps to review, develop, and improve services that take care of the children and young people in our care.
The Board is formed by elected members, representatives from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Children's Trust, Voices of Sandwell, Forum for independent adults, NHS-ICB and other partner organisations.
Learn more about Sandwell Corporate Parenting Board below:
Read our Strategys:
Sandwell Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2028
Corporate Parenting Strategy 2020 -2023