School Essentials Grant for Children in Care
Social Workers have a range of accommodation options dependant on each child’s individual needs. We have a responsibility to ensure that the standard of care the child receives is of the highest possible standard.
What is a Looked After Child?
When Conwy accommodates a child or young person it does so according to the law. These generally fall into two sections of the Children Act 1989, firstly:
Section 76 – this is where a child is accommodated voluntarily, with consent being given by the person holding parental responsibility. Under Section 76, the Local Authority holds no parental responsibility. Accommodation under Section 76 should only be short term.
Section 31 – this section is where the Local Authority has concerns that a child or young person has suffered significant harm through either neglect, abuse or through being beyond parental control. In these cases Conwy can apply to a court for a Care Order which would allow the Local Authority to share parental responsibility for the child with the parents.
In both these cases, the Local Authority has a corporate parenting responsibility, to provide a high standard of care.
How do we support Looked After Children?
Our priorities for Looked After Children are the same as all parents. We want them to be happy, healthy and safe. We want them to reach their educational potential and have the same access to all aspects of the curriculum as any other child.
Do you look after somebody else’s child?
If so you may be in a ‘Private Fostering Arrangement’. While funding is not available for these arrangements, you or the child’s parent must make Social Services aware of this expected situation 6 weeks before the arrangement begins. In an emergency you should inform us within 48 hours.
All Looked After Child have their own allocated Social Worker.
Contact us for information on:
- Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm 01492 575111
- Evenings, weekends and bank holidays: 0300 123 3079