What is Corporate Parenting?

As described in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, Corporate Parenting is:

“the formal and local partnerships between all services responsible for working together to meet the needs of looked-after children, young people and care leavers.”

‘Looked after’ is the terminology used in this legislation, however, the term people with experience of care, those with care experience or the Care Experienced community are terms considered best practice by many members of the community. This updated terminology is considered to be reflective of their experience, in comparison to the term 'looked after'.

Recognising this preference, the plan will therefore use this updated language interchangeably, which refers to:

“anyone who is currently in care or has been for any length of time regardless of their age.”

This may include experience of kinship care, looked after at home with the help of social work, residential care, foster care, secure care and adoption.

The Scottish Police Authority, which includes Forensic Services, is a Corporate Parent outlined in the Children and Young People Act 2014. This Act outlines the following duties for all Corporate Parents:

• Be alert to matters which, or which might, adversely affect those with experience of care
• Assess the needs of those with experience of care for the services and support you provide
• Promote the interests those with experience of care
• Provide those with experience of care with opportunities to participate in activities designed to promote their wellbeing.
• Take action to help those with experience of care, (a) access the opportunities you’re providing and (b) make use of services, and access support, available.
• Take any other action you consider appropriate to improve the way you work with those with experience of care

Alongside other Corporate Parents that form a key part of the scaffolding of support for people with experience of care, the Scottish Police Authority has responsibilities and duties to support members of this community up to the age of 26. As a loving and caring Corporate Parent, the Scottish Police Authority also recognises the lifelong commitment of being a parent and wish to offer a lifetime of support for those with experience of care.