The application of social work principles and methods in practice, including safeguarding and support for vulnerable individuals.
Social Learning Theory, pioneered by Albert Bandura, establishes that individuals learn behaviors, emotional reactions, and attitudes through the observation and imitation of others. For professionals and carers looking after children, this theory is not just an academic concept; it is the...
Social pedagogy is a holistic framework for working with children and young people that integrates education and care into a single professional practice . It focuses on the "head, heart, and hands" to support the development of the whole person through meaningful, everyday relationships . In the...
Attachment theory is the fundamental psychological framework used to understand how the quality of early relationships between a child and their primary caregiver dictates the child's lifelong emotional, social, and cognitive development . For professionals in the social care sector—including...
```html Semi-independent care is a structured, transitional accommodation provision designed for young people—typically aged 16 to 18—who are preparing to leave the statutory care system. It bridges the critical gap between heavily supported placements, such as foster care or children's homes, and...
```html A Subject Access Request (SAR) or Data Access Request (DAR) is a legally binding request under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 that allows individuals, including looked after children and care leavers, to obtain copies of their personal data. For social care professionals,...
Social services departments have a statutory duty to conduct thorough assessments, which often includes speaking with neighbours to gain a holistic view of a child’s living environment. This practice is not an attempt to intrude on your private life, but a professional requirement to triangulate...
```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....
Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 is a voluntary legal provision where a local authority provides temporary accommodation for a child when their parents are temporarily unable to care for them, or when there is no one with parental responsibility. Crucially, this arrangement does not involve a...
```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...
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...
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...
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