Local councillors across Wales are being encouraged to take on the responsibility they hold as legal parents for children in care, as part of a new campaign from the Fostering Network Wales.
Over the coming weeks the Fostering Network will be contacting all councillors in Wales to make them aware that the ultimate responsibility for the safety, well-being and development of children in care rests with elected members, regardless of whether they are directly involved in children’s services.
Postcards will be sent out asking councillors if they know how many children are in their corporate care. They will also be asked if those children are getting the help they need at school and if foster carers have enough support.
The aim is for councillors to recognise they should treat children and young people in care as they would their own children, and that councils need to work more effectively across the range of issues that impact on their development.
So that councillors can better understand their responsibilities, the Fostering Network is offering the opportunity to meet with local foster carers to hear some of the challenges they face and how local councils can help. An information pack, including a guide for councillors on how to be a good “corporate parent”, is also available.
Freda Lewis, Director of Fostering Network Wales, said: “We believe that every councillor in Wales has an important role to play in helping children in care to thrive, particularly by supporting the work of foster carers, social workers and others who help to turn their lives around.
“With this campaign we are encouraging councillors to accept responsibility for the development of children in care, to prioritise the needs of children in all decision making, and to support their growth in to a successful transition to adulthood.”