How we support you as a corporate parent
If you are a child looked after or a care leaver, we act like your parents would. This means we look out for you and want the best for you.
This is not just one person. It is everyone who works for Somerset Council and the organisations we work with. Together, we are called your corporate parents.
A corporate parent includes all the people who work with and support children looked after and care leavers.
The law (The Children and Social Work Act 2017) says that corporate parents must:
- do what is best for you and support your physical and mental health
- listen to your views, wishes and feelings, and take them seriously
- help you get the services and support you need
- encourage you to aim high and help you do well in life
- make sure you are safe and have stability at home, in education, training or work
- help you prepare for adult life and living independently
What the Corporate Parenting Board does
The Somerset Corporate Parenting Board is a group of 12 Councillors. They meet every 2 months with council staff and people from other organisations, such as health services. They check that support for children looked after and care leavers is in place and working well.
They look at information about things like your health, education, where you live, how you are involved in services, and how you are supported to prepare for adult life.
Young people are invited to attend these meetings, which are held after school or college. You can share your views, talk about what matters to you, or bring along your own presentation.
The Board follows the Corporate Parenting Somerset Participation Strategy 2024–2030, which focuses on listening to young people and improving support.