Our new strategy setting out our continued commitment to support children in care and care leavers has been officially launched.
When a child enters our care, the responsibility that would normally belong to a parent becomes the legal and moral responsibility of everyone at the council. This effectively makes all employees and Members Corporate Parents.
“Co-Parenting” is the new brand for our Corporate Parenting Strategy. Chosen by children themselves, it is less business-like and includes everyone who works together to care for our children and young people in and leaving care.
Our Co-Parenting Strategy 2022 to 2027 is being officially launched this week during National Care Leavers Week (24-28 October). It sets out how we will provide these children and young people with the care and support they need to grow into happy, independent adults.
The voice and perspectives of children and young people are integral to the strategy, and members of our Children in Care Council (CiCC) helped develop it.
The five priorities set out in the strategy are - Self, Health, Home, Learning and Independence.
The strategy also includes defined Outcomes, a Mission and a formal Co-Grandparents role.
The Essex Pledge, a set of promises written by children and young people, was signed by Members outside a meeting on full council earlier this month.
Cllr Beverley Egan, ECC Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, said: “Our Co-Parenting Strategy is an extremely important document and I’m delighted to formally launch it at the start of National Care Leavers Week 2022.
“The strategy sets out our commitment to supporting children and young people in care and care leavers. Throughout its development we have listened to children and young people and the strategy is based on what really matters to them.
“The strategy links in with our Everyone’s Essex Strategy and our Levelling Up agenda, which includes a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children, including children in care and care leavers. As good Co-Parents, we and our partners should put children in care and care leavers at the heart of our Levelling Up agenda.
“Working together with our staff, Members and partners we can make a real difference to the lives of those living in care and care leavers, helping ensure they are happy, loved, safe and able to achieve their aspirations.”
Going forward, the Strategy’s Priorities, Outcomes and Actions will be developed into delivery plans with our partners.
Read more about the strategy and why it is important at our website.