Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services seeking approval for the City of London’s renewed Corporate Parenting Strategy. This included the City’s “Pledge” to its Looked After Children (LAC) and Care Leavers; this was is a set of promises identified through consultation with children and young people in or leaving care. Members noted that the Action Plan would be refreshed annually, and the Safeguarding Sub Committee would have oversight of its implementation.

In response to Members questions, officers confirmed that everyone who worked for the City of London Corporation, including elected Members and Chief Officers, was a corporate parent to the children and young people in the City’s care. With regard to the development of the Pledge, officers confirmed that it was agreed at the first meeting of the City’s Children in Care Council (CiCC). Although only a small number of children and young people attended the CiCC, officers reported that (four4 LAC attended the meeting (out of 23 invited) officers reassured Members that the City was committed to. The Corporation had a statutory requirement to actively informing children and young people them of their rights and entitlements through a range of means, including social media, but with a small number of LAC attaining a high attendance was difficult. In response to a Member’s follow-up question, officers confirmed that social media was used, and the issue would be discussed by the Children in Care Council.

Members noted that the City and Hackney Social Care Safeguarding Board Sub Committee had made recommendations for additions to the Strategy regarding training on the risk of child sexual exploitation, and Members agreed that delegated authority be granted to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to approve these changes. Members also requested that a Member Development Training Session be held on the Corporate Parenting Role, and that the strategy be presented to the Court of Common Council. 

RESOLVED ­– That:

(a)  The Corporate Parenting Strategy be approved;

(b)  Delegated authority be granted to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to approve any changes as a result of the City and Hackney Social Care Safeguarding Board Sub Committee’s comments;

(c)  A Member Development Training Session be held on the Corporate Parenting Role; and

(d)  The strategy be presented to the Court of Common Council.