Launch of new guidance for corporate parents

The Scottish Government and COSLA jointly launched new national guidance on how to be a good corporate parent today (9 September) in Edinburgh.

The guidance, called 'These Are Our Bairns', is aimed primarily at community planning partnerships, including information for people involved in a wide variety of services in central and local government, the independent sector and the police and legal system.

The invited audience of elected members, council officials and representatives of a wide range of organisations heard from both Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, and Councillor Isabel Hutton, COSLA Education, Children and Young People Spokesperson.

Mr Ingram said, ''These Are Our Bairns' considers some systemic things which make a difference - good planning processes, joined-up services and robust governance, for example. But it also asks you to think about what you can do as an individual which will make a difference. 

'I am challenging you to think out of the box: think like a parent rather than as a practitioner or a politician. Ask yourself, 'Is this good enough for my child?'. The contribution you all make to the lives of the young people for whom you are responsible will make a positive impact on their lives - you will give them a future. I am asking you to believe in what you do and believe that your contribution will be positive.'

Attendees also heard the views of the young people themselves on the support they need from the corporate family. Young people from across Scotland worked with Pure Media to translate their thoughts into music and drama.

Councillor Isabel Hutton said 'Corporate parenting is just as much about providing looked after children with a normal and positive childhood experience. We should imagine the type of childhood we would want for our own children, and try to replicate that as far as possible.

'I want to make a point of congratulating the young people who have been involved today and throughout the development of the guidance. They have put a human face to our work, and challenged us not to forget the lives that we can change for the better.'

To find out what the guidance might mean for you, please see the Corporate parenting section on the Looked after children website.