Term: looked after children

Term details for 'looked after children'

Children placed into the care of local authorities. This includes those children who are in care through a care order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989; those accommodated on a voluntary basis through an agreement with their parents under section 20 of that Act, or agreement with of the child if they are over 16; children placed away from home under an emergency protection order; children on police protection, remand or detention (section 21 of the Children Act). Most are in foster care, some are in children's homes, the rest are in other settings such as residential schools and placement with parents.

Broader terms

children

Narrower terms

foster children

Related terms

care leavers, care orders, child care reviews, residential child care