‘Ask me about Corporate Parenting’

The Children and Young Peoples Act, published on 14 February 2014, expands the list of Corporate Parents in Scotland. As a member of staff in our local authority, you have a corporate parenting duty to be aware of the needs of looked after children and care leavers up to 26 years of age in your area.

Aberdeenshire Council Corporate Parenting Strategy Group is proud to launch its Corporate Parenting Policy and Action Plan.Aberdeenshire Council’s Corporate Parenting Action PlanAberdeenshire Council’s Corporate Parenting Policy

Leigh Jolly, Social Work Manager (Corporate Parenting) said: “As chair of the strategy group, I am often asked ‘what does corporate parenting mean?’ and ‘what do I need to do?’

“Corporate Parenting is the responsibility Aberdeenshire Council has for children and young people who are ‘Looked After’ under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

“Aberdeenshire currently has around 250 looked after children and young people who for a variety of reasons cannot live at home at this time. They may live with friends or family, foster carers, in a Children’s Home or perhaps a residential school.

“Corporate parenting is about thinking a little beyond your role to ensure that these children and young people can overcome the barriers in their lives and most importantly, live a life they feel they have control over. Many of us in education and social work will know these children individually but corporate parenting doesn’t stop there. We all have a responsibility to consider how our role can enhance the life chances of some of Aberdeenshire’s most disadvantaged children.

“Being a good Corporate Parent means that the Council will; accept responsibility for Aberdeenshire’s Looked After Children, Young People and Care Leavers, make their needs a priority and seek for them the same outcomes as any good parent would want for their own children.”

For more information, contact Leigh Jolly via leigh.jolly@aberdeenshire.gov.uk