Issue - meetings

To approve the adoption of the Corporate Parenting Charter published by the
Welsh Government.

The report was presented by Cllr Menna Trenholme

DECISION

To approve the adoption of the Corporate Parenting Charter published by the Welsh Government.

DISCUSSION

She explained that the Welsh Government had introduced the 'Corporate Parenting Charter – A Promise from Wales' in September 2023. She added that local authorities were required to adopt the Charter to demonstrate their commitment to promoting the rights and life opportunities of children and young people who have experience of being in care.

She highlighted that the Charter contained principles and promises that aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, noting the need to adhere to those in providing services to children and young people who are being, or have been looked after by the Authority.

She confirmed that the principles introduced in the Charter were:

·       Equality

·       Removing Stigma

·       Togetherness

·       ⁠Support

·       Ambition

·       Nurture

·       Good Health

·       A Stable Home

·       Good Education

·       Thrive

She elaborated that 9 promises were being introduced within the Charter, to ensure that these principles were achieved.

It was noted that adopting the Charter would strengthen the Council's arrangements, and she expressed pride that the priorities of the Council's Corporate Parenting Charter integrated well with these principles and promises.

It was reported that the Charter's implementation would be reviewed by the Council's Corporate Parenting Panel.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Members supported the adoption of the Charter as it was a way of formalising those principles that were already in practice within Gwynedd and gave a commitment to the continuation of those principles in the future.