The circumstances and experiences of children and young people who are looked after by their local authority often mean that they experience many disadvantages. Research shows that that looked-after children experience poorer outcomes than other children. Local councils have a collective responsibility to achieve good parenting for all children in their care. This requires ownership and leadership at a senior level, including all elected members. This handbook supports elected members and council officers to ensure that they effectively fulfil their role as corporate parents and improve the futures of children in public care. With briefings and practical exercises, the handbook sets out the responsibilities of a corporate parent and focuses on the leadership and commitment that members and senior officers can provide to improve practice. Senior council members will be empowered to prioritse the needs of looked after children and seek the same outcomes for them as any good parent would want for their own children.