The Children and Families & Asylum Seeking Service provides
a Looked After Service to all children accommodated by the
department.
A child can be accommodated for a number of reasons but mainly
through the following routes. A child is defined by law as some one
under the age of 18 years old.
- The parents or guardians have agreed that the child should be
cared for away from the family home. This is done under section 20
of the Children Act 1989 and is done on a voluntary basis.
- A Family Court has ordered that a child should be cared for
away from his/her home. This is done under section 31 of the
Children Act 1989.
- If a child arrives in this country without any parents and is
claiming political asylum, as an Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking
Child. This is done under section 20 of the Children Act
1989.
Children who are accommodated by the Local Authority are
entitled to a range of services and our policy includes the
following.
- Taking into account their views for planning for their
care.
- Informing their parents as to what is happening.
- Help them to keep in contact with family and friends.
- Ensure that their carers meet their health, educational and
social needs.
- Inform their carers about the child’s culture, religion and
language.
- Inform their carers about the child’s special needs.
- Protect the child from neglect and abuse.
- Help the child prepare for leaving care, usually at 18 years
old.