Approaches to care that recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on individuals, promoting healing and resilience.
```html Looked After Child (LAC) Health Assessments are statutory clinical evaluations designed to ensure that children in care receive the same standard of healthcare as their peers, with specific attention to the unique health needs arising from their life experiences. These assessments are a...
```html The primary difference between foster care and residential care lies in the environmental structure and the framework of therapeutic support. Foster care places a child within a family home environment with approved foster carers, offering a highly personalized, family-dynamic setting....
```html 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...
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 isn't...
```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: The...
As someone who has walked this path, I know that being "in care" can sometimes feel like a label that limits your future. But I’m here to tell you—and show you—that your history is not your destiny. Being in care does not stop you from achieving greatness; in fact, the resilience you develop can...
```html Growing up in care comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also gives you a chance to build incredible inner strength. Building resilience in care means developing the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, manage stress, and keep moving forward toward your goals. While it...
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