---

Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Government are taking to strengthen the role of the corporate parent to ensure that looked-after children reach their full potential. [100735] Mr. Hutton: On 21 September 1998, we launched the £375 million three year Quality Protects Programme which is designed to improve the management and delivery of children's social services. There is a particular emphasis on improving the life chances of children looked after by local authorities. Chief executives have an important responsibility for ensuring that their council acts as corporate parents to the children in their care and that all council departments play their part in the implementation of Quality Protects. Chief executives are required to approve the Quality Protects Management action plan and to ensure that it is not seen solely as a Social Services document. As part of the Quality Protects programme the Department for Education and Employment and the Department of Health have jointly drafted guidance on the education of children looked after by local authorities. This is specifically aimed at assisting local authorities in their role of corporate parent to promote and support the education of their looked after children. Elected councillors have a vital role to play in ensuring that Quality Protects has the corporate commitment needed to deliver good life chances for vulnerable children. The Government in partnership with the Local Government Association have recently sent a Guide on Quality Protects to all councillors reminding them of their corporate parent responsibilities and giving guidance on their role in implementing Quality Protects. We believe that local authorities' responsibilities towards young people in and leaving care should correspond more closely to those of responsible parents. That means providing more support and assistance for children beyond the age of 16. The Children (Leaving Care) Bill, which had its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 7 December, will change the system to give young people the support they need and deserve in preparing for and leaving care. Young people in and leaving care should be able to expect this from their corporate parent.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

340 c624-5W; 100735

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Children in care Care homes Local government Young people Social services