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The charter, Supporting Parents in and Leaving Care was developed by parents with experience of being in care working with professionals from charities and local councils.

It pledges new standards of support for those starting a family and commits Neath Port Talbot Council to tackling discrimination and stigma faced by these parents.

Members of Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet agreed the adoption of the national charter at their meeting on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.

It sets out guidelines and commitments from Neath Port Talbot Council in its support of people under 25 in their roles as parents. It outlines how the council will help them prepare for parenthood, support them when they become parents and assist them in overcoming the disadvantages they often encounter.

The key commitments include:

• Ensuring Essential Needs: The council pledges to provide young parents with fundamental necessities, including a stable place to live, financial support and essential baby items.
• Educating on Rights and Resources: Young parents will be informed about their rights and entitlements, including access to benefits, grants, and local resources, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide for their children.
• Practical Parenting Support: The council commits to ongoing support from basic care such as changing nappies and bathing, to registering for school places, medical services, and more.

Under the charter, the council will:

• Provide Resources to Challenge Bias: Efforts will be made to educate and dispel negative stereotypes about parents in and leaving care.
• Fair Assessment Practices: The council will ensure parenting assessments are based on current abilities rather than past care history, providing access to advocacy and legal advice when needed.
• Protecting Parental Rights: Young parents will be supported to ensure their care records are not used unfairly against them, and they will have the right to fair assessments and treatment.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, Cllr Sian Harris said: “This commitment underscores the council's reputation for its dedication to supporting young people in care.

“The council is already committed to continuously reviewing and improving the support provided to parents in and leaving care. We will work closely with parents, service providers, and charities to ensure the charter's commitments are upheld and that the support remains relevant and effective.”

The charter is informed by extensive research, notably the five-year study led by Dr Louise Roberts at CASCADE, Cardiff University.

Funded by Health and Care Research Wales, this project included insights from parents and professionals across Wales, highlighting the need for enhanced and consistent support for care-experienced parents.

The adoption of the charter is subject to a statutory three-day call-in period.