Care-experience duty to expand across public sector

13 March 1 min read Joe Lepper Social Care Leaving care

The government has amended its Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to expand corporate parenting responsibilities of councils across the public sector.

Children would still to be in the care of council under regional care co-operatives. Picture: Fresnel6/Adobe Stock

The expanded duty will benefit young care leavers' lives, according to findings of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for care-experienced children and young people last year. Picture: Fresnel6/AdobeStock

Under the amendment all government departments, schools, NHS trusts and public sector bodies including the Youth Justice Board must consider those in care and care leavers in their decision making and delivery of services, and take action to improve their lives.

The amendment specifies extending responsibilities of councils in the Children Act 2004 to any service “relating to safeguarding or promoting the welfare of children”.

The move has been backed by Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of charity for care-experienced children Become, which coordinates the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for care-experienced children and young people.

“For children in care to thrive support can’t end with their local authority,” said Sacks-Jones, adding: “Health, welfare, education and other services play a huge role in their lives and can shape their futures.

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