Looked after children, adoption and fostering
Looked after Children (LAC)
Children and young people in the care of the Local Authority (LAC), including those with a plan for adoption, are a particularly vulnerable group. The majority of children enter care because of neglect or abuse. The National Safeguarding Team (NHS Wales) provides leadership for health professionals who work with LAC. Our Team has strong links with the Welsh Medical Group, the LAC Cymru Nurses Group, the All Wales Safeguarding NHS Network, the LAC Steering Group and represents the NHS on the Improving Outcomes for Children Ministerial Advisory Group.
Guidance and regulations:
- NHS Wales Health Assessment Framework for Looked After Children
- The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (Wales) Regulations 2015
- Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, Part 6, Code of Practice 74-125
Useful information:
- CoramBAAF: The health of unaccompanied asylum-seeking and other separated children
- UASC Health: Resources
- AFA Cymru
- CoramBAAF: Health Group
- CoramBAAF: Promoting the health of children in public care
Adoption and Fostering
The majority of Looked after children live with foster-carers on a short or long-term basis.
For some looked after children, rehabilitation with birth family is not appropriate and adoption provides an opportunity for improved long term outcomes. The National Safeguarding Team (NHS Wales) provides leadership for health professionals who work within the adoption and fostering field.
Our Team has strong links with the Welsh Medical Group, the LAC Cymru Nurses Group, the All Wales Safeguarding NHS Network, the LAC Steering Group and represents the NHS on the National Adoption Service Advisory Group and the National Fostering Framework Strategic Steering Group.
Guidance and regulations:
- Adoption and Children Act 2002
- The Adoption Agencies (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
- The Adoption Agencies (Wales) Regulations 2005