Looked After Children

The term ‘looked after’ is used when we arrange for children to live away from their families, either as part of a voluntary arrangement (under the 1989 Children Act), or as the result of a care order (also under the 1989 Children Act). Sometimes this will be for a short break and 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.

What services are provided for Looked After Children?

• Adoption
• Residential Care

Legal Definition of a Looked after Child

A child is looked after by a local authority if he or she has been provided with accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, in the circumstances set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Children Act 1989, or is placed in the care of a local authority by virtue of an order made under part IV of the Act.