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The term 'looked after' is used when arrangements are made for your children to live away from your home whilst you and your family sort out any problems you might have.

Children become “looked after” in two ways:

• You make arrangements with us voluntarily and agree for them to be looked after by someone else, or;
• We have to step in because your children are in some kind of danger and we have to make arrangements to look after your children and keep them safe from harm

Whilst your children are being looked after you will still have responsibility for them and will still be involved in making decisions about their care. We want you to be as comfortable as possible with this and be confident that you can work closely with us.

Most children are looked after by foster carers. Foster carers are volunteers who make their home available to look after other people’s children in times of need. All of our foster carers go through a process of assessment which lasts about 9 months and they also receive regular and specialist training on child care issues.

If you don’t know what’s happening whilst your children are being looked after, speak to your child’s social worker straight away. If you do not have their contact details, call Children’s Services on 01344 351582, leave a message and someone will get back to you to discuss your case.

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