What is a Corporate Parent?
A Corporate Parent is one of the following individuals or bodies which are named in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
Under this legislation, Corporate Parents have specific duties and responsibilities towards Care Experienced children and young people up to the age of 26 (although many Corporate Parents go further and extend their support and policies to Care Experienced adults above the age of 26, which we celebrate and consider best practice).
Although the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act has been enacted since 2015, the idea of Corporate Parenting is not new. The term first appeared in the late 1990s, and the concept of Corporate Parenting has actively informed Scottish Government policy since its 2007 report, ‘Looked After Children and Young People: We Can and Must Do Better’.
When the state takes on a parental role for a child or young person, we all have a part to play in their wellbeing. Corporate Parents have a vital role to play in ensuring the rights of Care Experienced people are upheld, and that they have the best chances and outcomes in life. Corporate Parenting is all about asking – “would this be good enough for my child?” Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a diverse network of Corporate Parents to support the Care Experienced community.
Corporate Parenting Duties
As a Corporate Parent, you have the following duties as set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014:
You can find more extensive guidance around these duties and what they mean here.
Corporate Parenting Network
Are you a Proud Corporate Parent? Do you want an opportunity to shout about the work you’re doing for Care Experienced people, while learning what others outside of your own sector are doing?
We’re looking for Corporate Parents who are passionate, driven and excited about Corporate Parenting to connect with other like-minded individuals based not on locality or sector, but a desire to make a difference for the Care Experienced community.
CORPORATE PARENTS TOLD US they wanted more opportunities to collaborate and ways to keep Corporate Parenting on the agenda.
CORPORATE PARENTS WANTED real, tangible examples of positive Corporate Parenting from other organisations which they can learn from/adapt for their own teams.
INTRODUCING The Who Cares? Scotland Collaborative Corporate Parenting Network: a space for Corporate Parenting pioneers to come together and collaborate and share Corporate Parenting plans and ambitions in an informal, exploratory way.
Together we can improve the lives of those with care experience. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact us by emailing: corporateparenting@whocaresscotland.org
Corporate Parenting Learning Hub
Who Cares? Scotland have created a Resource Library which hosts a number of individual and thematic digital resources. On this page you’ll find the most recent Corporate Parenting resources which can be downloaded and integrated into existing training platforms.
Support for Implementation of Resources
We are more than happy to offer support and guidance on implementing these resources within your own training programme, or to assist in the development of bespoke resources or modules which offer more contextual insight into the function of your organisation and how it relates to young people. If you would like to discuss the possibility of co-developing e-learning resources and/or bespoke materials, please email corporateparenting@whocaresscotland.org
Oisín – Educational Signposting
In this video Oisìn reflects on the importance of good signposting of services and support.
Oisín – Residential Accommodation and Study Support
In this video Oisìn reflects on what would have helped him whilst studying at university.
Talking about moving around and education
In this video Marissa reflects on the impact moving around had on her education.
Talking about Corporate Parents
In this video Marissa shares her thoughts on what Corporate Parents need to do to better support Care Experienced people.
Talking about Education
In this video Oisín describes the type of support Universities and Colleges could offer to help Care Experienced students whilst studying.
Education and Engagement Offer Pack 2023 -2024
An overview of the Who Cares? Scotland 2023-24 learning offer from the Education and Engagement Team.
Corporate Parenting Newsletter and Promising Practice – Spring 2023
In this issue – Read about the Training and Education team’s recent visit to Shetland. Edinburgh College share the work they have been doing to support Care Experienced students financially.
Care Day 2023 – Corporate Parents Briefing Pack
Information about Care Day 2023, to help Corporate Parents and the Care Experienced people they work with get involved.
Corporate Parenting Newsletter and Promising Practice – December 2022
Catch up with all the latest news from the Training & Education team this December.
Financial Impact – Covid Response
Our training and education team have produced this video discussing the impact of Covid-19 on the Care Experienced community, it focuses on the financial impact.
Information And Digital Access – Covid Response
Our training and education team have produced this video discussing the impact of Covid-19 on the Care Experienced community, it focuses on digital inclusion.
Practical Tips for Participation
Short video with Laura Pasternak, Jo McLeod and Gavin Morgan from Who Cares? Scotland, sharing their tips for meaningful participation.
Want to check out the full Resource Library?
Here you’ll find our full range of resources which can be filtered by type and theme depending on what you are looking for.
Filter by theme ‘Corporate Parenting’ to see all our resources.
Training and Education Team at Who Cares? Scotland
The Training and Education Team at Who Cares? Scotland offers fully-funded support to Corporate Parents across Scotland. Find out more about our training offer.
