Residents can have their say on the borough’s proposed corporate parenting strategy. The consultation is open now until Monday 5 May.
Under The Children and Social Work Act, every councillor and council officer has a responsibility to act for every child and young person cared for by the local authority, known as corporate parenting.
The council’s cabinet supported carrying out a public consultation on the new strategy at its meeting on Tuesday.
The strategy outlines the 10 pledges representing a thorough commitment to the wellbeing and future outcomes for children looked after by the local authority and care leavers. The promises make sure young people are supported with care and respect, their voices are heard, and their individual needs are met where possible.
The strategy focuses on:
- clear communication
- reducing bullying
- promoting safety
- supporting education
- training and fostering mental and physical wellbeing
Importantly it emphasises the empowerment of young people to thrive as their authentic selves with a safe, secure home and the resources needed to succeed. These commitments are essential to providing the care, opportunity and support necessary for them to reach their full potential.
Residents, schools, local health practitioners, and children and young people in local authority care will be invited to provide feedback on the strategy and action plan until Monday 5 May 2025.
Cllr Roy Bailey, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“Corporate parenting makes sure the local authority acts for every looked after child in its care. This duty stretches to those leaving care and the support the council provides these young people until the age of 25. We have a legal and moral duty to make sure these children and young people get the very best support and care and we take this responsibility very seriously.
"We need a corporate parenting strategy in place to make sure the needs of each child and young person are met. The public consultation on our new strategy will enable young people, children and carers to have their voices heard so that the strategy provides what is truly needed.”
Once the consultation has ended, and the responses analysed, the proposed strategy will be finalised and presented to the cabinet for approval in June 2025.
Have your say
You can comment on the proposed parenting strategy at Bracknell Forest Council - Corporate Parenting Survey 2025 to 2028.