Agenda item

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Children and Education presenting the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024/25.

The Corporate Director of Children and Education submitted a report which presented the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024/25.

Having been moved by Councillor Webb and seconded by Councillor Steels-Walshaw, Councillor Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education then introduced the report. Members were reminded that November was Care Leavers month. That over the course of the last year sub-groups had been introduced in relation to housing, health and education. These were attended by children, young people and care leavers as well as relevant officers.

Care was now treated as a protected characteristic. Work had been undertaken with care leavers to co-produce what the key areas of focus should be. And there was now an improved offer for foster carers in York. In addition, an employment and opportunities broker had been employed to support care leavers into jobs.

Lauren, Co-Chair of Corporate Parenting Board was then invited to present her update to Council. Lauren was keen to emphasise the importance of the relationship and collaboration between young people and corporate parents.

Lauren explained that as a care experienced young person and Co-Chair of Corporate Parenting Board, it was about how the city cared for children and young people when they needed it the most. Over the past year work had been undertaken to ensure that young people's voices were not just heard but truly listened to. The Board was now co-chaired by care experienced young people alongside Councillor Webb, Executive Member for Children Young People and Education, which had made decisions grounded in real experience and lived insight.

In total, more than 50 young people had shared their views this year and their feedback had influenced key areas such as foster carer recruitment and training, mental health support, housing, and a new leaving care offer. The ‘mind your language’ campaign had also been launched because how people talked about care experienced young people really mattered. The words that were used shaped attitudes and the attitudes shaped opportunities.

The shift in awareness had encouraged professionals across the city to think differently, to see potential not pity, strength and not stigma. The partnership between young people and the Council had become more than consultation. It was collaboration. Together, services had been redesigned to reflect what young people needed. From creating new fostering recruitment videos to co-producing housing pathways and mental health initiatives, work was rooted in shared purpose and accountability. It was also about aspirations. Every child in care deserved to dream big. To believe that university, apprenticeships, stable homes, and strong relationships were within reach.

Corporate parenting was one of the most important responsibilities the council held. When a child came into care, the council became their corporate parents. This meant shared responsibility for well-being, education, housing, health, and the future. It was not just a role for social workers or children services. Every decision had the power to open doors, create opportunities, and change lives.

November was Care Leaver’s month, a time to recognise the achievements of care experienced young people across the city. To show every young person that no matter where you start, your goals and dreams were possible. That's what being a good corporate parent was about. Helping children and young people believe in themselves, aim high, and know that they were valued, supported, and capable of achieving great things.

Since the previous annual report, the progress that had been made together was clear. Care experience was now treated as if it was a protected characteristic, recognising and challenging the barriers that some people continued to face. New sub-groups had been piloted focusing on health, education, and housing to drive better outcomes. An enhanced offer for care leavers had been launched, ensuring that young people were supported as they moved into adulthood and independence. Decisions were no longer made for young people. They were made with young people. That was real progress.

Resolved (unanimously)– That the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024/25, be noted.

Reason: So that members are updated on the work of the Corporate Parenting Board.