CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has made a formal commitment to the 360 children and young people in its care.

It has adopted The Pledge – a set of 10 key promises which staff and members commit to deliver while carrying out their duties for cared-for children.

It covers important issues such as involving children in key decisions which affect their lives, keeping them safe and helping to resolve problems.

It formally launched at an event attended by members, staff and representatives from the Children in Care Council, a group of care-experienced young people from West Cheshire who played a key role in developing The Pledge.

Lord Mayor of Chester Eleanor Johnson, who attended the launch, said: “The Children in Care Council has done an excellent job in putting together The Pledge and Cheshire West and Chester Council is proud to adopt its principles.

“It reminds us all of our responsibilities as corporate parents, which are to support, encourage, respect and inspire all the children and young people in our care.

“The Pledge covers every aspect of their lives and supports our aim to ensure they receive the very highest standard of parenting.”

The 10 promises are:

• Involving children in decision making

• Keeping them safe

• Helping them to achieve at school and college

• Tailoring services to suit individuals

• Helping children to keep in touch with people who are important to them

• Having a named worker while they grow up

• Supporting children to develop their talents, hobbies and interests

• Keeping them healthy and well

• Helping to sort out problems or worries

• Supporting them to move on to adult life

The Pledge was ratified by the council in December 2010. For more details see the website at www.cicc.org.uk or contact the council’s Participation and Inclusion Team on 0151 33 74594 or email childrensparticipationandinclusion@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.