Welsh Government commits to “nine promises” when working with care-experienced children and young people

The Welsh Government has committed to a new ‘Corporate Parenting Charter’, which sets out a vision for transforming children’s services in Wales.

The charter, signed by First Minister Mark Drakeford on 22 September, sets out 11 principles on equality, eradicating stigma, working together, inclusive support, fulfilling ambitions, nurturing, good health, a stable home, education, thriving in the future and after care support. 

“It encourages all public sector bodies to sign up to these principles as well as nine promises that set out how care experienced children and young people will be treated, listened to, and involved in decisions that affect them”, said the Welsh Government.

‘Corporate parenting’ is defined as promoting the collective responsibility of the whole public sector to safeguard and promote the rights and life chances of care-experienced children and young people.

All public bodies and third sector organisations are being encouraged by the Welsh Government to sign up to the charter for care experienced young people.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Our Programme for Government sets out our ambitious vision for transforming children’s services in Wales.

“I’m pleased to sign the charter today, which will support all our public bodies in ensuring that all care-experienced children and young people have the same life chances as every other child or young person.”

Julie Morgan, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, who also signed the charter, added: “Last December we held Wales’s first Care Experienced Summit, bringing care-experienced young people and Welsh Ministers together to develop a radical, ambitious and shared vision for the future.

“A key message from the summit, led by the Young Ambassadors, was that care-experienced children and young people’s rights must be respected and their voices heard and listened to equally.

“I call on all public bodies, voluntary organisations and businesses in Wales to join us to ensure that all care-experienced children and young people have the same opportunities and life chances that every young person deserves.”

Lottie Winson