The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee of Cardiff Council met on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss various matters concerning the welfare of children and young people in care. Key topics included updates on the Bright Sparks Awards, the Committee's Annual Report, the Forward Work Programme, and a proposed Member Visit Programme.

Bright Sparks Award Update

Lucy Thomas, CPAC Officer, and Rayya Boccus, a member of the Bright Sparks Group, presented an update on the annual Bright Sparks Awards ceremony. The Bright Sparks Group is a participation group for children and young people aged 11-25 who are looked after or care-experienced. The 18th Annual Bright Sparks Awards took place in December 2023 at County Hall, attended by over 200 people, including more than 50 children and young people, Children's Services staff, and Council Members. The event was described as the highlight of the year, with the Bright Sparks Group having complete autonomy over its organisation.

The awards celebrated various achievements, including those of children and young people who attended Jamie’s Farm, which offers residential stays to experience life on a working farm. The event also featured partnerships with organisations such as the Into Work Service, Encon, Child Friendly City, NYAS, and The Youth Service.

Members were informed that the NYAS participation contract had ended, presenting an opportunity to grow the Bright Sparks Group from within Children's Services. Discussions are underway for a three-month pilot collaboration between Children’s Services and the Youth Service to deliver a CLA participation group. The Committee resolved to note the report.

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee Annual Report 2023-2024

Matthew Osborne, Operational Manager of Children’s Services, introduced the Committee's Annual Report for 2023-2024. The report detailed the Committee's main activities, including meetings, training, young people engagement, and performance monitoring. Key areas of interest included the Accommodation Strategy, the Virtual School Annual Report, the Participation Strategy for Children and Young People, and the Bright Sparks Awards.

Looking ahead, the Committee aims to build on insights gained from participation consultations to ensure children and young people are at the heart of decision-making. The new Corporate Parenting Charter offers an opportunity to improve engagement and collaboration with statutory partners and the independent sector. The Committee resolved to note the draft report, delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to finalise the Annual Report, and present it to the full Council in June 2024.

Forward Work Programme - May 2024 - April 2025 & The Welsh Government Corporate Parenting Charter

Matthew Osborne also introduced the Forward Work Programme (FWP) for May 2024 to April 2025. The FWP outlines the Committee's business, driven by the needs of Children Looked After in Cardiff, with a focus on participation. The programme aligns with the Corporate Parenting Priorities and incorporates the Welsh Government Corporate Parenting Charter, emphasising a combined Authority approach.

Members discussed the benefits of visiting services and organisations supporting care-experienced young people, requested more notice for events, and sought clarification on their roles. They also requested updates on children looked after outside Cardiff and young people leaving care. The Committee resolved to note the Corporate Parenting Charter and the Forward Work Plan.

Member Visit Programme

Lucy Thomas introduced a proposed Member Visit Programme to help the Committee understand the services and organisations supporting care-experienced young people in Cardiff. The programme aims to be flexible, accommodating Members' schedules and interests. The Committee resolved to note the programme and identify additional relevant services or organisations for inclusion.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.