COUNCIL leaders have backed their new 'Promise' for children in care.

The pledge, a checklist of aspirations so Bournemouth council staff can ensure they are fulfilling their obligations to youngsters in their charge, was drawn up with feedback from the children in care themselves, as well as the borough's 'care leavers'.

The Promise calls on the borough to involve youngsters in decisions regarding their care, help them achieve a 'sense of belonging', a healthy lifestyle and a good education and skills, help them with money management, help them stay in touch with family and friends and ensure a social worker is always available.

Two boys from the local Children in Care Council presented a report on the Promise to a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor Nicola Greene, cabinet member for children's services, said: "The corporate parenting duty is one we take very seriously, but like every parent we are constantly being told we could do better.

"We take that feedback very seriously.

"I am immensely pleased to hear survey work has been done on the previous promise and it found there have been some successes there."

A report to be cabinet said the previous pledge had seen "some positive impact" but progress had been "too slow".

Youngsters criticised the previous Promise for not being written in a child-friendly way.

Recent improvements included youngsters in care getting contact cards with lists of professionals, the issuing of passports and the use of proper luggage to transport children's belongings, rather than black bin bags which have caused "significant distress" in the past.

The council has also taken steps to reduce the changes of social workers being switched out, to ensure continuity of care and a sense of reliability and trust.

Cllr Greene said it was "quite a thrill" that youngsters had requested a Bournemouth-related picture for the front of the Promise documentation, as "it is very encouraging that you feel a sense of place in the town as well".

It is the second time the borough has revised the wording since it was introduced in 2008.

It will be adopted if approved at the next full council meeting on February 21.