The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee met on Monday 13 April 2026 to review progress on the Corporate Parenting Annual Plan for Quarter 4 and to discuss the Corporate Parenting Annual and Forward Plan for 2026-2027. The committee also received an update on emerging areas of work.

Q4 Progress Update

The committee received an update on the key areas of progress made in Quarter 4 against the Corporate Parenting Annual Plan, as well as an end-of-year status report on actions. Rebecca Brockway, Policy and Development Manager – Corporate Parenting, provided a presentation.

Members sought clarification on why data regarding housing plans for 15.5-year-old looked-after children was not available. Officers explained that at 16 years old, young people are referred to the Young Persons Gateway, and data had not been captured until recently. If a young person was not ready for independent accommodation at 16+, the referral was closed, meaning data was not available. The dynamic nature of these situations has complicated data gathering. A pathway is now in place from 15.5 years onwards, with a transition plan, which is expected to improve data availability going forward.

Questions were raised about whether the 60% prevention rate target differed from the wider service target, and officers committed to checking and providing feedback at the next meeting.

Members also inquired about whether data was recorded for children currently in the system to predict housing needs and future planning. Officers explained they are working with housing teams to ascertain available resources for those with complex needs. While basic data is available, it requires further development to include currently uncaptured needs for a comprehensive overview.

Details were requested on how the Corporate Parenting Advisory Group would operate. Officers outlined that they are researching best practices from other areas and are in the process of scoping, resourcing, and recruiting for this group. They emphasised a desire for young people to lead the group to avoid tokenism and are taking their time to ensure it is implemented correctly. One idea being considered is to recruit part-time, employed, care-experienced young people to run the groups.

Regarding the Mentoring Scheme, members asked if all directorates within the Council were engaged. Officers confirmed they are working with all directorates and providing practical examples of how the scheme could be implemented in their areas. Members expressed pleasure at attending the Bright Sparks Awards and learning how young people were empowered to organise the event, congratulating officers and young people on the effective use of real-life experiences in the accompanying videos. Appreciation was requested to be passed on to the officers involved.

Further details were sought on the ambition for no child looked after to be permanently excluded. Officers explained this involves collaborative efforts to find the best solutions, as exclusion rates can be higher in this population. Alternatives to meet needs are being explored. This is not a policy, but rather a case-by-case approach, with Welsh Government guidance stating schools should exhaust all options before permanent exclusion. Members asked how practice in Cardiff regarding permanent exclusions compared to other Local Authorities in Wales. Officers noted that some local authorities have a policy of no permanent exclusions for Children Looked After, but that conversations between Children's Services, Education, and schools are yielding positive outcomes. The committee questioned whether permanent exclusion meant no access to education and suggested the term should be no child has education withdrawn. Officers clarified that all children are entitled to education, and the aim is always to prevent education being withdrawn. Schools are responsible for ensuring this. Members requested copies of relevant Council policies and Welsh Government guidance, which officers agreed to provide. It was also noted that in cases of serious criminal acts, children would be referred to the Youth Justice Team rather than Education.

Regarding the Working Partnership Network, members asked about leverage with financial institutions and how this is promoted to encourage other businesses to join. Officers explained that Cardiff Commitment is working with business partners to promote the network and raise awareness of corporate parenting. They are targeting specific life stages, such as the transition from primary to secondary school, and discussing with businesses their potential contributions through workshops and support packages. The initial plan involves this targeted approach to test enhanced support for children looked after, allowing for well-developed processes. Members suggested approaching financial institutions for support in offering lower interest rates and deposits for Children Looked After (CLA) when purchasing their first home. Officers confirmed they are developing these relationships and would suggest this going forward.

Finally, members inquired about an assessment of health services that CLA and care-experienced young people struggle to access and whether this could be addressed through the partnership. Officers stated that research has been conducted on needs, but more work is required, particularly with young people. The recent event provided opportunities to make more contacts, and developing these stronger partnerships will be part of the 2026/2027 action plan.

The committee RESOLVED to note the Q4 Progress Update and the update on the end of year status of actions.

Corporate Parenting Annual and Forward Plan 2026-2027

The committee received an update on the Corporate Parenting Annual and Forward Plan for 2026-2027. Rebecca Brockway, Policy and Development Manager – Corporate Parenting, presented the plan. There were no comments or questions from the committee.

The committee RESOLVED to note the Corporate Parenting Annual and Forward Plan 2026-2027 and core documentation.

Update on Emerging Areas of Work

Jade Williams, Senior Policy Officer – Corporate Parenting, provided an update on emerging areas of work.

Members asked if any lessons could be learned from similar work on the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, and whether carer assessments could inform the implementation of Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic. Officers appreciated the suggestion and will investigate this further.

The use of buses for social connections and the potential for a reconditioned bike scheme for children looked after were also discussed, with officers agreeing to look into these possibilities.

Members suggested adopting a model similar to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee (CYP), which includes a Youth Representative to incorporate young people's voices. Officers welcomed this idea and will take it forward.

The committee reflected on research findings regarding how children and young people define success and how this could be applied when seeking feedback from children looked after. Officers agreed to explore this in relation to the data dashboard and annual plan.

The committee RESOLVED to note the content of the update and presentation.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 22nd June 2026 at 3pm. The meeting concluded at 4:50 pm.