There are circumstances when the Local Authority has a duty to provide accommodation for:

• Children in need whose parents are prevented from providing them with care;
• Children who are subject to Court Orders;
• Young people over 16 years of age whose welfare is likely to be seriously prejudiced without the provision of such accommodation.

Such children and young people are regarded in law as being ‘looked after’.

Children may be looked after for a variety of reasons and for different lengths of time.  We always try to keep children with their families in their own homes but sometimes this is not possible.  For the majority of children who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority, parental responsibility will remain with the parents/guardians.  On other occasions, it will be shared with the local authority who will then have important duties as a corporate parent.  There will be instances where we cannot come to an agreement with the parents and we have to provide care against the parent’s wishes if it is in the best interests of the child.  If the child cannot stay with their family, we will try to come to an agreement with the parents about how the child will be cared for.

If you would like further information about our services, or you would like to request help from the Children and Family Service, please contact us.