Why am I in care?

Your social worker will explain why we are looking after you. It can be for different reasons.  It is never your fault. We will do our best to take care of you while we are looking after you.

The Children Act 1989 is the law that says when children should go into care. There are a number of ways this may happen. The two most common ways this might happen are:

• Section 20 Accommodation  -  when your parents and social worker agree that the best thing is for someone else to look after you. Your parents still make decisions for you.
• Section 31 Full Care Order - when a court decides that the council should take over responsibility for your care. The Council then has the main role in making decisions for you. Your parents will usually still be involved. You might have a Section 38 Interim care order before a court decided your final plan.