The Corporate Parenting Board of Croydon Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the board's terms of reference, updates from the Children's Participation Team and Children in Care Council, and a thematic focus on housing for care leavers.

Terms of Reference

The board will consider the current Terms of Reference for the Corporate Parenting Board. These terms, last reviewed in April 2024, outline the board's purpose and objectives. The Corporate Parenting Board acts as an advisory body with two main aims: to support and make recommendations to the Corporate Director Children Young People and Education, Croydon's Safeguarding Children's Partnership, Health and Wellbeing Board, and other Partnership Boards on matters related to corporate parenting; and to advise, guide, and provide leadership to Croydon Council on issues concerning looked-after children, care-experienced young people, and its corporate parenting responsibilities. The board does not have decision-making powers.

Housing for Care Leavers

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to housing for care leavers. This includes an update on the progress of the Care Leavers App and its local offer. Additionally, a Housing Workstream Report will be presented, reviewing the work of the Corporate Parenting Housing Subgroup. This report, which is part of the Corporate Parenting Strategy and facilitated by Transformation work programmes, will highlight key areas of progress, challenges, and future focus. The report aims to create new opportunities and improved standards and choice for our Looked After Children and Croydon's Care Experienced Young People. ¹ The board will also engage in a discussion with Ambassadors, who are care-experienced young people involved in shaping improvements and development work.

The Housing Workstream Report details efforts to ensure a Whole Council and partnership approach to the corporate parenting of looked-after children and care-experienced young people up to the age of 25. It outlines a commitment to improving preparation, support, and the range and quality of homes available. Specific initiatives include developing a joint protocol between the Housing Service and Children's Social Care, creating a range of housing options to meet diverse needs, and providing co-located housing, benefits, and support staff. The report also mentions plans for 40 council properties, with 20 furnished, and working with partners to improve access to home items. Pre- and ongoing tenancy support is also a focus, aiming to develop tenancy expectations, skills, and community awareness.

The report highlights progress in developing new build developments and implementing a House Project in Croydon, working with the National House Project. It also addresses challenges, such as managing legacy rent arrears and identifying a suitable community base for the House Project. The report notes the development of an evolving panel of professionals to assist with young people's needs and the inclusion of care-experienced young people in the Allocations and Lettings policy for social housing. Enhanced homes, including repairs, painting, carpeting, and furniture, have been provided, alongside an extended tenancy offer and access to a handyperson service. The re-procurement of supported accommodation is also discussed, aiming to deliver quality supported accommodation and move-on pathways.

Updates and Performance

The board is also scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Children's Participation Team and the Children in Care Council. A Performance Report is also listed on the agenda, though details are to follow.