Part 1Children

CHAPTER 1Looked after children

Corporate parenting principles for English local authorities

I11Corporate parenting principles

1

A local authority in England must, in carrying out functions in relation to the children and young people mentioned in subsection (2), have regard to the need—

a

to act in the best interests, and promote the physical and mental health and well-being, of those children and young people;

b

to encourage those children and young people to express their views, wishes and feelings;

c

to take into account the views, wishes and feelings of those children and young people;

d

to help those children and young people gain access to, and make the best use of, services provided by the local authority and its relevant partners;

e

to promote high aspirations, and seek to secure the best outcomes, for those children and young people;

f

for those children and young people to be safe, and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work;

g

to prepare those children and young people for adulthood and independent living.

2

The children and young people mentioned in this subsection are—

a

children who are looked after by a local authority, within the meaning given by section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989;

b

relevant children within the meaning given by section 23A(2) of that Act;

c

persons aged under 25 who are former relevant children within the meaning given by section 23C(1) of that Act.

3

In this section—

  • “local authority in England” means—

    1. a

      a county council in England;

    2. b

      a district council;

    3. c

      a London borough council;

    4. d

      the Common Council of the City of London (in their capacity as a local authority);

    5. e

      the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

    6. f

      a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

  • “relevant partners”, in relation to a local authority, has the meaning given by section 10(4) of the Children Act 2004.

4

A local authority in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State as to the performance of the duty under subsection (1).