A small number of children and young people cannot continue to live at home. When this happens we take responsibility for caring for them.
How we place children into care
This could mean that they stay with foster carers either for a few days, or weeks, or longer. We always try to share the decision by talking with parents/carers.
Occasionally parents or carers do not agree that we should care for their children. When this happens, we ask the courts to decide. Parents can attend court to make their views known, usually with the help of a solicitor.
Keeping in touch with children in care
It is very important that children and young people stay in touch with their families and friends. We encourage parents and carers to continue to have contact with their children and young people as much as is possible.
We try to work out a plan together with parents and carers to help children and young people return home as quickly as possible.
For a few children and young people who cannot return home, we need to find a permanent new family. This might be with relatives, foster carers or with adopters
Support and help for children
We provide support and help for young people who are about to leave their foster home or children's home. They may be moving on to live on their own or to stay in supported lodgings.
Our supported lodgings scheme offers accommodation with carefully selected families to young people who are 16 and over. With our help, they can develop skills to successfully live independently.
