Children help shape plan to support their care
Children and young people who are in or have experienced care have helped to shape the plan that will lead how they are helped over the next two years.
Article date: 14 October 2026
The St Helens Borough Council Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2028 offers a refreshed strategy which sets out the approach to supporting children who are in or have experienced care.
Corporate Parenting describes the collective responsibility of the council, elected members, employees and partner organisations to provide the best possible care, support and safeguarding for children in care and care leavers.
Children from the Inner Spark Outer Voice group voiced what they wanted to strategy to do for them.
"We want a safe environment and community that allows us to feel fully capable of expressing our inner selves without the constant fear or prejudice or judgement, a space that allows us to feel completely listened to, loved and supported so we, as a community, can be helped in becoming the best versions of ourselves.
"We want unwavering support that aids us in feeling good, not just physically (although we comprehend that's immensely important), but also emotionally.
"We hope that everyone who reads this takes the time to really hear and understand where we are all coming from and help us to make a difference in society."
Alongside the strategy a Corporate Parenting Delivery Plan has also been drawn up to support the work being done to help children and young people over the next two years.
Councillor Michael Chesworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This strategy sets out how we will do all we can to support our most vulnerable children and young people in the borough. Giving children the best start in life is our number one priority and that means every child should have the same opportunities and as corporate parents we have to make sure children in care or those starting life as an adult are supported the same.
"We know that children in care and care experienced young people often face greater challenges in education, health, employment and emotional wellbeing. It is our responsibility to work together to address those inequalities and help every child fulfil their potential. Our approach is clear that we all act as any good parent would and care for these children as if they were our own."
The St Helens Borough Council Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2028 will be discussed at Cabinet on Thursday 22 October at 4pm. To find out more about the plan and watch the meeting visit: Agenda for Cabinet on Thursday, 22nd October, 2026, 4.00 pm St Helens Borough Council