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Children in Care

By: Angela Armes - Updated: 29 Dec 2022 | comments*Discuss
 
Children In Care Foster Homes Care Homes

It is important to take into consideration the reasons why a child might be taken into care and also what can be done to return a child to their family home if they have been taken into care.

Care Orders

A care order is issued when there is reason for a child or children to be taken into care and looked after under the umbrella of the local authority. In essence, a care order is a legally binding order that gives the local authority temporary guardianship over the child or children, and enables the authority to make whatever decisions are necessary as to the child's wellbeing.

Where Do Children in Care Live?

This is something that the local authority will decide upon once they have been awarded temporary Guardianship. For the most part the choice of how to house a child taken into care is one of three.

  • Foster Homes
  • Children's Homes
  • Living with a Relative

Foster Homes

A foster home is normal home children go to for a temporary period when they can't stay with their own parents. Foster couples who can be married, cohabiting or same sex partners, and will be vetted by the Local Authority to ensure suitability and also to judge what strengths and weaknesses they have as temporary guardians.

Children's Homes

Children's homes can be run directly by the Local Authority or can be maintained by charitable or private organisations with assistance from the Local Authority.

There is a common misconception that living in a children's home can be almost like living under a regime, but the truth of the matter is that children's homes attempt to maintain as much a semblance of normality for the children living in them as possible. The children attend local schools as they would normally, and are encouraged where possible to continue to integrate into the community.

Living with a Relative

Where possible, the Local Authority will try to place a child with a family member who can provide them with stability and a sense of continuity. This family member may be an aunt, a sister or even a grandmother, but again the Local Authority will make the decision based upon the information given to them and also based upon the wishes of the child or children involved.

If, however, there is an issue regarding parental interference, then the Local Authority may well decline an application by a family member and opt for the placement of the children in either a foster home or a children's home.

It is important to remember that although the taking of children into care is something that no parent wishes to contemplate, it can sometimes be the only way of ensuring the safety of a child or children.

And also it is important to consider that the removal of children from their family home is a very last resort. All other avenues of securing the children's safety will be explored to the fullest before such a decision is reached.

For more information, contact your local Social Services department or Local Authority.

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Hi Not sure if that websitestill running ,I have terrible problems with my son ,he is 13 and his behaviour is out of order .Christmasjust gone wasn'teven bit for us.I literally for last couple days make thousen there is no pepole who I not speak social service,ambulance,police Cams mental healthcharity support:(He is aggressive, pushing away ,his own sister just hate him for be here and its sad I ask evrone for help and everyone just ignoring me .No help becausebanks holiday we not even feel safe in our own house .pls can somone help
Beata oxo - 29-Dec-22 @ 11:18 PM
I want to know if my child that is 14 years old is nnot want to see him. What can i do about it.please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you
annie - 3-Mar-18 @ 8:45 AM
Rachel - Your Question:
About 6yrs ago my daughter was put on a sgo after I was assessed by ss and basically threatened that if I didn't sign a voluntary section 20 or 21 I think it was.I've found out that the aunt that had the sgo with her partner have split up and she left my daughter with her ex partner.But more importantly the partner has recently been charged and sentenced to beating a minor.I'd like to know what are my chances of me getting my daughter home as things have changed I'm married now and settled i've recently had my stepson live with me for 3 1/2 yrs.I'm good mum I was just in a bad place and ss made out that she would be back to me in a couple of weeks.PLEASE HELP

Our Response:
Please speak to social services, as you child wasn't adopted there may be a chance that you can regain contact with your daughter. You might alsobe able to pursue this via the courts, but you would need professional advice on that.
LawAndParents - 5-Feb-18 @ 10:47 AM
About 6yrs ago my daughter was put on a sgo after i was assessed by ss and basically threatened that if i didn't sign a voluntary section 20 or 21 i think it was.I've found out that the aunt that had the sgo with her partner have split up and she left my daughter with her ex partner.But more importantly the partner has recently been charged and sentenced to beating a minor.I'd like to know what are my chances of me getting my daughter home as things have changed I'm married now and settled i've recently had my stepson live with me for 3 1/2 yrs.I'm good mum i was just in a bad place and ss made out that she would be back to me in a couple of weeks.PLEASE HELP
Rachel - 2-Feb-18 @ 12:02 PM
How can I prove to a court that I wasn't presented with a EPO when social services came to remove my child from my care. I wasn't given this or even allowed to see one. What can I do now that after three years and my child on a full care order?
Saoirse - 11-Dec-16 @ 12:38 AM
My son and stepson are in care how can I fight to get them home due I To lies and also they taken my daughter who has downsydome away and put her up for adoption so they say
non - 12-Apr-16 @ 9:27 AM
Stacey Leanne - Your Question:
My daughter of 6 is living with her father but has said she wants to live with me. Would the courts take notice of this with her being so young

Our Response:
They would not be likely to interview her in court but would listen to both parents' viewpoints and if necessary order further investigations before making a decision.
LawAndParents - 7-Oct-15 @ 10:17 AM
My daughter of 6 is living with her father but has said she wants to live with me. Would the courts take notice of this with her being so young
Stacey Leanne - 6-Oct-15 @ 11:54 AM
izzey - Your Question:
Can social services keep my children from me because they will be trumitized by not seeing me after 2 year with no fault of my own

Our Response:
Sorry but as we do not know the circumstances of your case, we cannot really make any useful comment. Have you tried contact social services to find out what happens next or whether you can apply to have them back at any point? Someone from Citizens' Advice Bureau may be able to help.
LawAndParents - 20-Aug-15 @ 11:14 AM
Can social services keep my children from me because they will be trumitized by not seeing me after 2 year with no fault of my own
izzey - 19-Aug-15 @ 12:36 PM
What is the difference if a child gets injured in care whilst with the foster carer or when visiting relatives. If a child sustains 2mm bruising to his/her back whilst with relatives, or massive bruising to the head whilst with a foster carer. What is the standard procedure that should be adhered to if either injury is not reported.
Spaldog - 8-Oct-13 @ 2:23 PM
Hi my name is wilbert pollard can my moms friend adopt me if at a cayit determend I have to go to a residenchI or can my grandmother adopt me please email soon
Will - 18-Jul-12 @ 12:15 AM
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