Part 1: Children Chapter 1: Looked after children Section 1: Corporate parenting principles
This Section introduces seven key needs (collectively known as corporate parenting principles) which local authorities in England must have regard to whenever they exercise a function in relation to looked after children, relevant children and former relevant children (otherwise known as looked after children and care leavers). Subsection (2) defines these children by reference to the definitions used in sections 22(1), 23A(2) and 23C(1) of the Children Act 1989. The principles are applicable to all local authorities in England, whether or not they are (or were) the local authority responsible for the looked after the child or the care leaver.
	The first principle requires a local authority to have regard to the need to act in the best interests of, and to promote the physical and mental health and well-being of the children and young people to whom the section applies.
	The second principle requires a local authority to have regard to the need to encourage the children and young people to whom the section applies to express their views, wishes and feelings.
	The third principle requires local authorities to have regard to the need to take account of the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people to whom the section applies.
	The fourth principle requires a local authority to have regard to the need to help the children and young people to whom the section applies to gain access to and get the best use of the services provided by the local authority, and by its relevant partners, as defined by section 10(4) of the Children Act 2004.
	The fifth principle requires the local authority to have regard to the need to promote high aspirations for the relevant children and young people to whom the section applies, and to have regard to the need to secure the best outcomes for such children and young persons.
	The sixth principle requires the local authority to have regard to the need for the children and young people to whom the section applies to be safe and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work.
	The seventh principle requires a local authority to have regard to the need to prepare the children and young people to whom the section applies for adulthood and independent living.
	Subsection (3) defines the terms ‘local authority’ and ‘relevant partner’.
	Subsection (4) of the section also requires local authorities in England to have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State as to the performance of the duty set out in this section.