Strategies and interventions aimed at maintaining consistent and secure care placements for children.
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 my years working within the care system and sharing life stories, I’ve seen how pivotal one person can be in changing a child's trajectory. When a child has additional needs, that person is often the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, or SENCO. Understanding this role is vital whether you...
As someone who has navigated the care system both professionally and through lived experience, I know that the word "Ofsted" can spark a mix of anxiety and hope. Whether you are a social worker preparing for a visit or a parent trying to understand if a children's home is the right place for your...
As someone who has lived through the care system and now works to improve it, I know that "recruitment" isn't just a HR process—it is the first line of defense for a child’s safety. Whether it is a foster home, a residential unit, or a semi-independent placement for a young person finding their...
In the social care sector, we talk a lot about "child-centered practice." But there is a massive difference between talking about children and letting them lead the conversation. Here is why this step isn't just a "nice to have"—it is a fundamental necessity for modern fostering, and why I, as a...
If you are reading this, you are likely worried about a child. Maybe you are a parent watching your son retreat into himself, a foster carer dealing with trauma responses you can't quite soothe, or a social worker trying to secure funding for a placement. I know that feeling in the pit of your...
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...
If you are reading this, you might have just heard the term "Interim Care Order" in a 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 breath....
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...
In the world of social care, acronyms are everywhere. Two of the most common you will encounter are LAC (Looked After Child) and CLA (Child Looked After). While the terms are often used interchangeably depending on your Local Authority, the importance of the Review process attached to them remains...
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