The Corporate Parenting Board of Croydon Council was scheduled to discuss updates on housing for care leavers and the progress of the Corporate Parenting Housing Subgroup. The meeting was also set to include a review of the Board's Terms of Reference and an update from the Children's Participation Team and Children in Care Council.

Terms of Reference

The Board was scheduled to review its current Terms of Reference, as outlined in the document CPB - Terms of Reference CPB - Terms of Reference. These terms define the purpose and objectives of the Corporate Parenting Board, which include advising and making recommendations to various council directors and partnership boards on matters related to corporate parenting. The Board's objectives focus on ensuring a whole-council approach to high standards of care for looked-after children and care-experienced young people, promoting stable relationships and homes, and ensuring their voices shape the services they receive. The membership of the Board, including core and additional members, and the frequency and access to information for meetings were also part of the review.

Housing for Care Leavers

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to housing matters concerning care leavers. This included an update on the progress of a Care Leavers App: Local Offer and a detailed Housing Workstream Report on Progress and Challenges Corporate Parenting Housing workstream report. The report reviewed the work of the Corporate Parenting Housing Subgroup, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future focus areas. The recommendations included noting the progress and challenges of the housing workstream over the past year and advising on the future focus of activities to create new opportunities and improve standards and choice for looked-after children and care-experienced young people. The report detailed the council's commitment to a joint housing and children's social care protocol, the development of a range of housing options, and the provision of co-located support staff. It also mentioned the involvement of Housing Ambassadors in shaping the vision for projects like the Croydon House Project in partnership with the National House Project. The report acknowledged challenges such as managing legacy rent arrears and the need for further joint resources to support young people moving from temporary accommodation.

Update from Children's Participation Team & Children in Care Council

The Board was scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Children's Participation Team and the Children in Care Council. This would likely cover ongoing work to introduce a referral option on the Children's Recording System (CRS), applications for grants for projects like 'Amplified by Care Experience', and closer collaboration with the SEND Team to ensure representation from SEND students. Developments such as exploring a Senior Ambassador model for progression opportunities and training for Independent Visitors were also expected to be discussed.

Performance Report

A Performance Report CPB Indicators February 2026 was scheduled for discussion, likely focusing on data from February 2026. This report would provide an overview of key performance indicators related to children in care and care-experienced young people. The Minutes of the Previous Meeting Minutes 04022026 Corporate Parenting Board.pdf from the meeting held on 4 February 2026 were also to be approved.

The meeting was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at 5.15 pm in Room 1.01 and 1.02 of Bernard Weatherill House, Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA.