Looking after someone else's child

Family and friend’s care 

Most children are brought up by one or both of their parents, but where this isn’t possible some children and young people are cared for full time by a relative or friend.

Sometimes a relative or friend will be approved as a local authority foster carer, but the majority will be looking after children under different arrangements.

Family and friends carers play a significant role, allowing a child or young person to stay in the care of someone they know and trust. This is often at a time when things at home are not going well, or the local authority may be involved and have concerns regarding the children’s safety.

The local authority have a duty to help and support family members and friends who are looking after someone else's child. The type of help and support offered will depend on the needs of the child and the nature of the arrangements that parents or the local authority have made with extended family or friends.
Within the local authority the family and friends team carry out most of the assessments alongside children social work teams within the city.

There is also several support groups and training on offer both during assessments and following orders being granted.

Please contact us to find out more information regarding these.