Cared for children and care leavers

Children and young people may need care when their parents cannot look after them. This page explains what cared-for means, why children come into care, and the support available for cared-for children and care leavers in Cheshire East.

What cared for means

Children and young people become cared for (sometimes called looked after) when their birth parents cannot provide ongoing care, either temporarily or permanently. The local authority then takes responsibility for their care

Children can either be cared for through a voluntary agreement by their parents or under a care order.

Children may be placed with:

  • kinship carers (family)
  • network carers (extended family or friends)
  • residential care (children’s home)
  • with foster carers
  • in semi-supported accommodation (if aged 16 and over).

Once a child is removed from their family, the local authority must safeguard and promote their welfare (Children Act 1989). This includes education and social services. The council should do at least what a good parent would do. Support can continue until age 25 if the young person is in higher education or training.

Why children come into care

Children may come into care because:

  • a parent cannot continue caring for them
  • they are at risk of harm and need a safer place
  • a parent is ill or in hospital and no family or friends can look after them

Who is involved

We work closely with parents wherever possible, and many children in care keep strong family links and may return home.

Every cared-for child and young person aged 0 to 18 has an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).
IROs are separate from social workers. Their role is to check that children and young people are getting the best care and support possible.

What is a care leaver

A care leaver is a young person aged 16 to 18 leaving care after spending at least three months in care since age 14. The council plans support for care leavers as they move into adulthood.support can continue until age 25 if they are in higher education or training.

Support and services

Advocacy service

Advocates:

  • listen to children and help them share their views
  • make sure young people’s rights are respected
  • help solve problems in ways that feel comfortable
  • support children with complex communication needs or severe learning difficulties
  • provide non-instructed advocacy for children who cannot communicate directly

Independent visitor service

Children and young people can choose an independent visitor – a volunteer who befriends them and spends time together. They usually meet for at least two hours a fortnight and may:

  • go to the cinema
  • swim or bowl
  • share hobbies
  • play football
  • visit a café

The Childrens Society website has further information on advocacy and on the Independent visitor service.

Strategies and plans

Cared for Children and Care Leavers Strategy 2022 - 2026 (PDF, 202KB) - This strategy sets out how Cheshire East supports cared-for children and care leavers, focusing on safety, stability, education, health, and preparing for adulthood.

Our Pledges to Cared for Children and Care Leavers 2022 - 2026 (PDF, 200KB) - This document sets out the promises Cheshire East makes to cared-for children and care leavers, including listening to their views, providing consistent support, and helping them achieve their goals.

Cared for Children Sufficiency Strategy 2024-27 (PDF, 1.7MB) - This strategy explains how Cheshire East will ensure enough safe, stable homes for cared-for children, with plans to improve choice and support over the next three years.

Cheshire East Children and Young People’s Plan (PDF, 1MB) - This plan sets out Cheshire East’s vision for children and young people to be safe, healthy, educated, and prepared for adulthood.

Unaccompanied children

Unaccompanied children are under 18 and not in the care of a parent or legal guardian. This includes children fleeing violence, seeking work, or victims of trafficking.

Page last reviewed: 15 January 2026