Children in care

Paper cutouts of children holding hands

Looked-after children and young people are individuals. They come from all walks of life and have different aspirations, ambitions and identities. What they share in common is that usually they do not live with their parents, who are unable to offer safe or effective caring within the family home without assistance. Some of these children will have experienced damaging and abusive experiences, such as neglect, physical or sexual abuse or there may have been a breakdown in family relationships. For some, their needs are so special they need to attend a residential home or school. In all cases, children's services work in partnership with the child's parents.