The aim of the Corporate Parenting Framework is to ensure the corporate responsibility of the States of Guernsey and partner agencies to looked after children and care leavers through the corporate parenting arrangements and governance.
The refresh document sets out the progress we have made against the objectives of Guernsey's first Corporate Parenting Strategy (2016-2019) and outlines the refreshed objectives that were identified by stakeholders at the corporate parenting event in January 2020.
We have also consulted with looked after children and care leavers, listened to their views and incorporated these into the new objectives that are aligned to the four priority outcomes of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP)
The Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law 2008 places a duty on the States of Guernsey to provide services for "any child who is in the care of the Department" and "any person who has been in the care of the Department" (s.26). This means all elected States members, officers of all States of Guernsey Committees and partner agencies have a responsibility to work in partnership to ensure the best possible outcomes for this vulnerable group. A guide for Elected Members can be downloaded on this page.
It is imperative that stakeholders work together in collaboration with a common purpose and goal. As corporate parents we should all be asking "is this good enough for my child?". It is not enough to care for our looked after children; we must care about them and nurture and invest in all aspects of their development. As corporate parents it is our role to ensure they are safe, happy and have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.
The corporate parenting role continues when children leave care, with a legal duty to support and keep in touch with care leavers up until the age of 21 years or 24 years if they are in full time education.
