In UK law children in care are referred to as "looked after children". A child is "looked after" if they are in the care of the local authority for more than 24 hours. Legally, this could be when they are:
- living in accommodation provided by the local authority with the parents' agreement.
- the subject of an interim or full care order.
- the subject of an emergency legal order to remove them from immediate danger.
- serving time or on remand in a secure children's home, secure training centre or young offender institution.
- unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
A child will stop being "looked after" when they are either adopted, returned home or turn 18. Under the When I am Ready Guidance (WG 2016) the local authority will continue to support children leaving care at 18 until they reach 21 or 25 if in education.
For further information on Children Act 2014 please visit the Government Website.
Private Fostering
If you or someone you know is looking after someone else’s child that could be private fostering and you need to let Powys County Council know.
Please contact Children's Services Front Door via: Email-csfrontdoor@powys.gov.uk
Telephone: 01597 827666 (office hours) 0845 054 4847 (out of hours)
For further information on private fostering, please visit Powys County Council Website
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales supports children and young people to find out about their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The Children’s Commissioner works for every child in Wales who is up to the age of 18 and up the age of 21 if they have been in care, or 25 if they have been in care and are still in education.
For further information please visit The Children's Commissioner for Wales - About Us (childcomwales.org.uk)
