Looked After Children

Who are Looked After Children?

Sometimes we arrange for children to live away from their families, either as part of a voluntary arrangement or as the result of a care order. It can be for a short break or sometimes for a longer period of time. The length of time will depend upon the child’s needs and the family circumstances. Parents continue to have responsibility for their children while they are away from home but this responsibility is shared with Social Services if the child is subject to a Care Order.

Why are children looked after?

Children can be looked after for all sorts of reasons. For example:

A parent may be unable to continue caring for them
They may be at risk of harm and need to move to a safer place
A parent may be ill or may need to go into hospital and there is no other family members or friends available to look after them

When is a child placed in residential care?

We always endeavour to place children with foster carers where possible. However, residential care is more suitable for some young people.