Looked After Children (LAC) – resources and guidance
This term typically denotes children cared for by Government, though exact definitions vary between the four nations. More than 93,000 children in the UK are in care, 70,000 in England. Most are taken into care over fears of abuse or neglect. They are vulnerable to health inequalities, and exhibit significantly higher rates of mental health issues, emotional disorders (anxiety and depression), hyperactivity and autistic spectrum disorder conditions.
RCPCH lead
Dr Lynn Snow leads on looked after children on the RCPCH Child Protection Standing Committee. She also collaborates with the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (Coram BAAF) Health Advisors Group Committee.
NICE guideline
October 2021
This guideline covers how organisations, practitioners and carers should work together to deliver high quality care, stable placements and nurturing relationships for looked after children and young people. It aims to help these children and young people reach their full potential and have the same opportunities as their peers.
Roles and competencies of healthcare staff
December 2020
Developed in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of General Practitioners, Looked after Children: Roles and competencies of healthcare staff provides a framework for healthcare staff to understand their role and responsibilities for meeting the needs of looked after children.
It sets out the required knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required with the aim of improving life experiences for some of the most vulnerable children in society. It also includes model job descriptions.
This intercollegiate document was revised and republished in December 2020, and can be used to support paediatricians working in this area with updated descriptions of roles and responsibilities and to consider appropriate training for all heath care staff.
RCN and RCPCH: Looked after Children – Roles and competencies of healthcare staff
Promoting health and wellbeing – statutory guidance
March 2015
The Department of Health and the Department of Education produced statutory guidance on the planning, commissioning and delivery of health services for looked after children in England. The guidance is relevant for local authorities, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England, alongside health professionals and professionals working in children’s services.