Fostering, adopting and looked after children

Adoption: The local authority attempts to find adoptive homes for children who are no longer able to live in their own homes. The authority reviews applications from prospective adoptive parents to assess suitability. Ongoing support is provided for adopted children and their new families.

Children and young people - respite care: Respite care is a form of short-term substitute care provided by someone other than the parents or usual carers for a child. Respite care is a key support to families and is organised to suit the needs of the particular child and family. It can take place in a hospital, residential setting or in the child's own home.It gives parents free time to give them a rest, to spend time with their other children or in an emergency.

Fostering: Fostering provides homes for children who are temporarily unable to live with their own families but who wish to maintain contact. Fostering may provide respite care or shared care for children with disabilities. Support is provided for the children, the foster carers and the family of the fostered children.

Residential care for children: Provision of residential accommodation for children and young people who cannot live with their natural families. Prior to a placement in residential accommodation there will be assessment of need undertaken in conjunction with the young person (and their family if appropriate), social workers and residential staff.

Shared care for children: The Shared Care Scheme aims to provide regular short term breaks for children and young people with disabilities, by linking them with approved carers who look after them for short periods of time. This can be from a few hours to a weekend a month.