Suffolk County Council to review support for children in care

Suffolk County Council's Cabinet will review the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2023-2024 following a cabinet meeting on July 24th, 2024.

The report details how the council has fulfilled its duties to support children in care and care leavers up to age 25.

As a "corporate parent", the council aims to:

• Act in the best interests of children and young people in care

• Promote their physical and mental wellbeing

• Encourage them to express their views and take these into account

• Ensure they have access to services to help them reach their potential

• Provide safe and stable homes, relationships and education or work

• Prepare them for adulthood and independent living

The report will be presented alongside feedback from Chat2Change (C2C), Suffolk's Children in Care Council.

This gives young people in care a voice in shaping the services that support them.

The document notes that the Council's Corporate Parenting Services are delivered against significant national and local pressures across the care system.

These include mental health support, a shortage of appropriate care places for children with very complex needs, and the high cost of these places.

If endorsed by the Cabinet, a final version of the annual report will be published on the Suffolk County Council website.

The Corporate Parenting Board ensures the council and its partners fulfil their corporate parenting duties. It sets and reviews annual objectives, hears from care-experienced young people, and receives reports from services supporting children in care and care leavers.

Ipswich.co.uk will also review the report and publish its findings in the coming days. Remember to subscribe to our daily roundup so you don't miss it.