Children who are 'looked after'
Information about how children and young people are 'looked after' by the local authority.
Whenever possible, we will support children to live with their own families, and work with that family to overcome the difficulties they are having. Sometimes however, it is not safe or not possible for a child to stay in the family home, and Social Services has to make arrangements for them to be looked after by the local authority. Sometimes this is referred to as 'being in care'.
Information for parents of looked after children
What happens when your child is looked after by the local authority.
Information for children and young people who are looked after
Being looked after means that the council (Social Services) is helping to make sure you are being cared for properly.
Looked after children becoming independent
How the council supports former looked after children so that they can live as independent adults.
Corporate parenting (Care Orders)
When a child is looked after by a council under a Care Order, the council becomes a 'corporate parent' with legal and moral responsibility for that child.