Ask Buddy

Asking questions helps us understand the world around us. On this page, I’ll do my best to answer your questions! If you are still not sure, you can ask a grown up you trust or someone who works for Who Cares? Scotland to read over this page with you.

What is a Corporate Parent?

In 2014 the people who make the rules in Scotland - the Scottish government - put some big rules in place to help children and young people, with care experience in Scotland. The government know that a lot of people help you when you are in care and they wanted to make sure that these people and groups look after you properly. They want to make sure that you grow up feeling loved, safe, and respected. These big rules also have a big name - The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. These rules were made to make sure that the people who look after you know what they need to do to give you the best care they can. In Scotland there are 26 groups called ‘public bodies’, who have lots of people working for them across the country. You might know some of them already! Your doctor, your teachers, the Social Work department, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are some examples of your Corporate Parents. It’s the job of these people to help look after you. The job of a Corporate Parent is to give Care Experienced children and young people the love and support that a family would. The Scottish government tell them the things they need to do to look after you! If you want to know more about Corporate Parents, ask a grown up or someone who works for Who Cares? Scotland to help you understand a little more!