Resources and guidance specifically for foster parents to support them in caring for children with complex needs.
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 Junior ISA (JISA) for children in care is a long-term, tax-free savings account opened by the UK government for children who have been in continuous care for at least one year. These accounts ensure that young people leaving the care system have a financial "nest egg" to help them transition...
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...
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.
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...
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.
```html "Staying Put" is an arrangement that allows a young person to continue living with their former foster carers after they turn 18. Instead of being required to move out into independent living on their 18th birthday, this arrangement enables them to remain in a stable, familiar environment...
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.
In the landscape of social care, few topics carry as much weight—or as much misunderstanding—as solo and complex placements. As someone who has lived through the care system and now advocates within it, I know that when a child is moved into a solo setting, it can feel isolating for the young...
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...
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