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...
Child Protection
The overarching efforts and legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
decoding the “sections”: what do they actually mean?
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 you. But...
What is a looked after child / Child In Care
Navigating the terminology of the UK social care system can often feel like learning a new language. Whether you are a foster carer, a residential childcare worker, or a family member, you will frequently hear terms like "Looked After Child" (LAC) and "Child in Care". While these terms are often...
Understanding Section 20 Accommodation under the Children Act: Your Guide to Protecting Children’s Rights
Do you know what Section 20 accommodation under the Children Act entails? If you work with child protection, knowing this provision is crucial for safeguarding children's rights. This guide will explain Section 20 accommodation and how it protects vulnerable children. Section 20 accommodation is...
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...
Placement Disruption Meetings
Sometimes Placements just don’t work out, and that’s fine. A Disruption meeting will be called when a placement is close to breaking down or has ended abruptly this will normally happen prior to a Stability meeting but can be escalated straight to a disruption meeting depending on the placements Warning Procedures or the circumstance of the issue
Placement Stability Meeting
A Placement Stability Meeting will be called when the placement of a child in foster care, residential or a semi-independence placement is considered to be at risk of disrupting.
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.
Social Worker
Introduction: Children's social workers play a critical role in the lives of children who are facing tough life situations. From providing support to families in need to advocating for the rights of children, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of...
Understanding Youth Homelessness: Lessons from the Frontline
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...
Authorised Leave
Authorised Leave means: that your local Authority knows your staying away from your placement, and agree that it is safe to do so. Home / Background Checks Required. social workers normally will want to conduct a police check to...





