Strategies and best practices for protecting children in care from online risks and managing their digital footprint.
As the Director of Looked After Child Limited, I have spent over seven years on the frontline—from NVQ Level 4 leadership to the daily realities of managing a residential home. I have seen the "paper trail" of a child's life fail them repeatedly during transitions. In 2026, we are finally moving...
In the social care sector, data protection is not merely a bureaucratic requirement; it is a fundamental component of digital safeguarding. For those looking after children—whether in residential settings, foster care, or kinship care—the information we hold is often the most sensitive data...
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...
In 2026, safeguarding is no longer about managing "screen time"; it is about managing digital ecosystems. As we navigate this landscape through the Dual Lens—combining my seven years of residential leadership with my own care-experienced journey—we must recognize that for a child in care, the...
In the social care sector, the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is a sensitive topic that balances the need for safeguarding with the fundamental right to privacy. Whether you are a professional managing a home or a young person living in one, understanding the rules ensures that technology...
In the world of social care and education, the safety of children is not just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. As someone who has navigated the complexities of the care system both professionally and through lived experience, I know that having a clear point of contact for...
The "Local Care Offer" (officially known as the Local Offer for Care Leavers) is a document or website that every local authority in England must publish by law. It lists all the services, support, and entitlements available to young people aged 16 to 25 who have been in care. Think of it as your...
the times are changing, and it is important that we adapt to technology in our work to provide better support for Children in care. by using the following websites and applications we will be able to support young people with expressing there emotions and feelings, finding out about the care offers, building resilience and to handle there mental health. this can be done inside there own home and room. on technology that they are very familiar with. and allows people who struggle with speaking about their to empower themselves to get / find help when its most needed.
Homelessness is often misunderstood as a singular event or a choice, but for many care leavers and vulnerable adults, it is a complex intersection of systemic gaps, unprocessed trauma, and a lack of protective factors. Drawing from my own journey through homelessness and my professional background...
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