Guidance and resources for local authorities in their role in child care.
In the world of social care, nothing is more important than the safety of our children and vulnerable adults. Whether you are a professional entering residential childcare or a family member trying to understand the safeguards in place, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a cornerstone of...
```html As someone who has walked the halls of residential care and sat on both sides of the table, I know that the word "allegation" is perhaps the most frightening term in a professional’s vocabulary. It’s a moment where time seems to stop, and your commitment to the children you care for feels...
A Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) is a statutory role within the UK children's services. Their primary responsibility is to manage and oversee allegations made against adults who work with children (whether in a paid or voluntary capacity). The LADO ensures that all allegations are handled...
What is an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)? An Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) is a qualified and experienced social worker responsible for chairing the statutory reviews of a looked-after child’s care plan. Their primary legal duty is to ensure that the local authority is meeting the...
Discover the Local Care Offer: a comprehensive framework outlining support, care, and services provided by local authorities to promote wellbeing, independence, and social inclusion for all residents.
If you are reading this, you might have just heard the term "Interim Care Order" in a Family Court, a solicitor's office, or a meeting with social services. I know the feeling—the sudden drop in your stomach when legal terms start flying around. It feels overwhelming. But let’s pause and take a...
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.
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...
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...
```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...
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.
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...
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