An unauthorised absence is any instance when a child is not where she/he should be. This includes the foster home, school, an authorised activity venue, etc. The police do not need to be informed of an unauthorised absence unless their wearabouts / reason is unknown or their is an risk of harm at the known location.
Legal & Compliance
Understanding and adhering to legal requirements and regulations relevant to child care professionals and organizations.
Achieving Excellence: A Strategic Overview of the 9 Quality Standards in Residential Care
in the residential care sector, the Quality Standards (as set out in the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 ) represent the regulatory framework against which Ofsted inspects and judges provision. However, for high-performing providers, these standards should not be viewed merely as a...
A Complete Guide to Emergency Protection Order (EPO) Section 44 of the Children Act 1989
Hearing the words "Emergency Protection Order" can be one of the most terrifying moments in a parent's life. Everything moves fast—social workers, police, courts—and it can feel like you have absolutely no control. At Looked After Child, we believe that even in the scariest moments, knowledge is...
Everything You Need to Know About LAC / CLA Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are a foster carer, a residential childcare worker, or a connected person, understanding the statutory review process is vital. These meetings are not just administrative checkpoints; they are the moments where we ensure a child is safe, happy, and thriving. Here are the most...
decoding the “sections”: what do they actually mean?
```html If you are care-experienced, or working in the sector, you’ve probably heard people throwing numbers around like they are nicknames. "He’s on a Section 20," or "We’re going for a Section 31." When you are the young person in the middle of it, these numbers can feel like labels that define...
What is a looked after child / Child In Care
A comprehensive guide to understanding what constitutes a ‘looked after child’ or ‘child in care’ within the UK’s child welfare system, covering legal definitions, reasons for entry into care, and placement types.
Pupil Premium: Your Questions Answered
What is Pupil Premium? TL;DR Summary Pupil Premium is UK government funding for schools to support looked after children, those who have left care, and those eligible for free school meals. It helps schools provide extra staff, emotional support, and educational resources. Eligible children can...
Understanding Section 31 Care Orders: A Comprehensive Guide
A Section 31 Care Order also know as a full care order is a significant legal measure in the UK that grants the local authority responsibility for a child's care. This means decisions about the child's upbringing, including where they live, their education, and their healthcare, are made by the...
Working with Your Social Worker Effectively: A Guide for Children in Care
Working With Your Social Worker Header Being in care can be a confusing time. You might have a lot of questions and worries about what's happening. One of the most important people in your life right now is your https://thefrontline.org.uk/become-a-social-worker/. They're there to help you, but...
Supporting Looked After Children who have suffered from Sexual Abuse: Resources and Support
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can have a profound impact on the lives of those who have suffered through it. For looked after children, the experience can be even more complex and devastating, leaving them feeling isolated and in need of support and care. In this article, we will...
Emergency Support: What Is the Social Services ‘Out of Hours’ Team?
The Social Services Out of Hours deals with all social services emergencies and statutory duties, which arise outside normal office hours. Weekdays 5pm until 9am, Weekends And Bank Holidays.
Child Law – Websites
it can be scary when things go wrong, for both the child / young adult. and carers or family involved. thankfully thier is some great resources that highlight and provide yo with all the informtion about Childrens Services to help you get justice.










