Looked after children

Looked after children are children that are cared for by us. 

By law we must look after children or young people who cannot live with their families. This can be for a number of reasons, but generally we look after children because their parents or the court think it is in the best interest of the child.

Most children and young people in need of care are looked after by a foster carer. For a small number of children, residential care may be more suitable. 

After an assessment of the situation, we will make a plan to help the child return home. 

Leaving care

We offer a range of services for children and young people when they leave care. The type of help we provide depends on the age of the child and how long they were in care. 

Our leaving care service offers advice, support and guidance to 16- to 25-year-old young people who are eligible for support when they leave care. Young people who meet the criteria will be allocated a personal adviser who will co-ordinate a package of support.

This may include support in these areas:

• health and development
• accommodation
• education, training and employment
• maintaining positive relationships
• financial management
• independent living skills. 

To get more information about our leaving care services contact the teams below Monday - Thursday 1.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. and Friday 1.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. 

• Leaving Care 18+ Team North (Newark and Bassetlaw), telephone: 0115 804 4401
• Leaving care 18+ Team Central (Mansfield and Ashfield), telephone: 0115 804 1236
• Leaving Care 18+ Team South (Broxtowe, Rushcliffe and Gedling), telephone: 0115 854 6318