Guidance for leaders in residential, foster, and kinship care on effective management and policy implementation.
What is the Online Safety Act 2023? The Online Safety Act 2023 is a comprehensive UK legislative framework, regulated by Ofcom, that legally compels tech companies, social media platforms, and search engines to protect users from illegal and harmful content. For those looking after...
Explore a comprehensive ‘dual-lens’ guide for digital safeguarding in childcare settings, empowering professionals with policies, training, and strategies to protect children from online risks while fostering digital literacy.
Key Takeaways This post guides parents and carers of looked after children on nurturing leadership skills, focusing on confidence, empathy, communication, and self-control, rather than traditional 'in charge' roles. It emphasizes that these 'inner skills' are crucial for...
If you are a parent navigating social services involvement or a dedicated professional in the residential childcare sector, you’ve likely heard the term "respite care" . But what does it actually mean for the child and the adults supporting them? At Looked After Child, we believe that respite...
```html Key Takeaways Kinship care provides a stable environment for children with relatives or friends when birth parents cannot care for them, prioritizing identity and emotional security. Different types of kinship care exist, including informal arrangements, private fostering, Child...
A waking night shift is a period of professional duty where a staff member remains fully awake and alert throughout the night to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and emotional support of children in a residential setting. Unlike a "sleep-in" shift, the staff member does not go to bed; they are...
A sleep-in shift typically begins in the evening and ends the following morning. While the staff member is there to rest, they are "on-call" to respond immediately to any incidents, emotional distress, or emergencies that arise during the night . Key Features of a Sleep-In: Presence and Safety:...
A comprehensive guide for children in care on understanding and exercising their right to complain, detailing processes, support systems, and how to advocate for their well-being.
Discover comprehensive strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the care system. This guide explores the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable individuals and outlines essential principles, practical implementations, and policy reforms needed to foster truly inclusive and affirming environments for their well-being and development.
The phrase "Statement of Purpose" might sound like a dry, legal requirement, but in the world of residential childcare, it is actually the most important document a home possesses. It is the "DNA" of a children's home, outlining exactly how they will care for, protect, and support the children...
This comprehensive guide explores the critical ‘Coming Home: A Guide to the Reunification Process’, detailing its phases, the essential support systems, and the collaborative efforts required to safely return children from out-of-home care to their families, ensuring long-term stability and well-being.
As a residential childcare professional or social worker, you are often the first line of defense for a child’s safety. But the most critical information isn't always found in a formal report—it’s hidden in the gaps, the silences, and the "small" details that don't quite add up. This is where...
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