Table Of Contents
Definition and meaning Of a Looked After Child (LAC)
A looked after child (also known as a “ward of the state or child In care”) is a child who is under the legal care and protection of a local authority in the UK, typically due to issues of neglect, abuse, or abandonment by their parents. The child’s welfare and well-being are the responsibility of the local authority, which may provide foster care, residential care, or other forms of support as needed.
In some cases, a child may become a looked after child on a temporary basis, for example, if their parents are undergoing a period of difficulty and are unable to care for them. In other cases, the child may be made a Child In Care permanently, with the local authority assuming responsibility for their care until they reach adulthood. (up to the age of 25, but can be discharged at 18)
The local authority has a duty to ensure that the child’s needs are met, including their emotional, physical, and educational needs. This may involve regular visits from a social worker, as well as access to health care, therapy, and other support services as needed. The local authority may also work with the child’s parents or other family members to help them address the issues that led to the child being taken into care.
It is important to note that being a looked after child can be a challenging experience, and the child may need additional support to help them cope with the changes in their life. However, it is also an opportunity for the child to receive the care and support they need to thrive, and many children go on to lead happy and successful lives after being in care.
- living with foster parents
- living in a residential children’s home or
- living in residential settings like schools or secure units.
When will i no longer be a looked after child LAC
A person is no longer considered a looked after child when they reach the age of 18 in most countries, at which point they are considered an adult and are no longer under the responsibility of the local authority. However, in some cases, support may be provided until the person is 21 years old, or older if they have additional needs, such as a disability.
In some cases, a young person may choose to remain in care after they turn 18, in which case the local authority may continue to provide support and assistance. Alternatively, the young person may choose to live independently, in which case the local authority may provide support to help them make this transition, including help with finding suitable accommodation, accessing education or employment, and managing their finances.
It is important to note that, even after a person is no longer a looked after child, they may still be eligible for support from the local authority or other organizations, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.
This may involve them continuing to live with their foster family, or going into semi-independence Placements to help them transition to a care leaver
What are my rights as a looked after child?
Looked after children have a number of rights that are protected by law, including:
- The right to be kept safe: The local authority has a duty to ensure that the child is protected from harm and abuse.
- The right to be listened to: The child should have the opportunity to express their views and have them taken into account when decisions are being made about their care.
- The right to education: The child has the right to receive an education and have access to educational opportunities that meet their needs.
- The right to healthcare: The child has the right to receive appropriate medical care and treatment.
- The right to stability: The child has the right to stability and security, and to be placed in a safe and stable environment that meets their needs.
- The right to contact with family and friends: The child has the right to maintain contact with their family and friends, unless this is not in their best interests.
- The right to participate in cultural, religious and leisure activities: The child has the right to participate in activities that are important to them, including cultural and religious events, and to enjoy leisure time.
It is important that these rights are respected and upheld, and that the local authority and any other organizations involved in the child’s care take a child-centered approach, putting the child’s needs and best interests first.
In addition to these legal rights, looked after children also have a right to a good quality of life and to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes the right to be housed in safe and appropriate accommodation, to have access to healthy food and clean drinking water, and to receive appropriate support to help them cope with any emotional or behavioral difficulties they may be experiencing.
The local authority also has a duty to work with other organizations, such as schools and health services, to ensure that the child’s needs are being met in all areas of their life. This may involve regular reviews and assessments of the child’s situation, as well as regular meetings with the child and their family to ensure that their needs are being met.
In some cases, a child may have additional needs, for example, if they have a disability or a complex medical condition. The local authority should work with health and social care professionals to ensure that these needs are met, and that the child has access to the support and services they require.
Overall, it is important to remember that looked after children have the same rights as any other child, and that they should be treated with the same respect, dignity, and care as any other child. By working together, local authorities, health and social care professionals, and other organizations can help to ensure that looked after children receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
In some cases, a child may be placed for adoption if it is determined that it is not possible for them to return to their birth family. In this situation, the local authority must work with adoption agencies to identify a suitable adoptive family, and to support the child and their new family as they settle into their new life together.
The local authority should also provide support to the child’s birth family, to help them address the issues that led to the child being taken into care. This may involve providing parenting support, drug and alcohol treatment, or other forms of help as needed.
It is also important to consider the long-term outcomes for looked after children. Research has shown that looked after children are more likely to face challenges in adulthood, including poor health, homelessness, and unemployment. It is therefore essential that the local authority provides support to help these children make a successful transition to adulthood, including helping them to access education, training, and employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the rights of looked after children are protected by law, and it is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that these rights are respected and upheld. By working together with other organizations, local authorities can help to ensure that looked after children receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
of course things still go wrong, if this is the case for you – please visit our Child Law Resources
