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Children and young people in care

 
Children are usually best cared for in their own families and we do everything we can to help parents and families look after their children. 

However, there are times when children aren't able to live with their families. In these situations, the children may be cared for by the Council. This is called being taken into care or looked after.

Why children may be in care or looked after

There is a variety of reasons why children and young people have to live away from their families from time to time. This can happen when:

  • Parents or carers are unwell
  • The family is having difficulties and the children need to spend time away from home
  • Children have a disability and their family requires short or longer term respite care
  • Children are in the care of the local authority on a Court order

Further information

Please contact our Children's Services using the contact information in the menu on the right if you would like to know more.

The links on the right will take you to more information about support for looked after children and government initiatives and policy for children who are in care.

Related information

A to Z of Services

Children's Services

  • 020 8921 3172

Useful links