What does "LAC" stand for?

In the context of child welfare, LAC stands for Looked After Children. This term originates from the Children’s Act 1989 and refers to children who are placed under the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours. These children receive care and support to ensure their safety, well-being, and development.

What is a "Looked After Child"?

A Looked After Child (LAC) is a child who has been placed under the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours, as outlined by the Children’s Act 1989. This can happen for various reasons, including the child’s safety and well-being. Local authorities are responsible for meeting the child’s needs as a parent would, a duty known as Corporate Parenting. Through Corporate Parenting, local authorities ensure that Looked After Children receive the necessary support, care, and opportunities for healthy development.

For more information on Corporate Parenting, have a read of our blog article here.

What does "CIC" stand for?

CIC stands for Children in Care, which is an alternative term to Looked After Children (LAC) as defined in the Children’s Act 1989. Although Looked After Children is the official legal term, Children in Care is commonly used and often preferred by young people themselves. Both terms refer to children who are under the care of a local authority.

What is the difference between "LAC" and "CIC"?

In the context of children’s welfare, LAC stands for Looked After Children, while CIC stands for Children in Care. Both terms are used to describe children who are in the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours, as defined by the Children’s Act 1989. While "Looked After Child" is the legal term, "Children in Care" is often used interchangeably and is preferred by the young people.

What happens before a child is officially adopted?

Before the adoption order is finalized, a child may live with their prospective adoptive parents. During this transitional period, the child is considered a "looked after child" and remains subject to all statutory requirements and regulations for looked-after children.

What happens when a child is adopted?

When an adoption order is granted, full parental responsibility is legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s). The birth parent(s) and any other individuals who previously held parental responsibility no longer have any legal authority over the child. This marks the official completion of the adoption process, giving adoptive families full rights and responsibilities. There is some excellent information from the government here.

What are Looked After or Previously Looked After Children?

Looked After Children are young people who have been in the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours, as defined by the Children’s Act 1989. 

Previously Looked After Children are those who were once in care but have since left, either by reaching the age of 18 and becoming Care Leavers or due to a court order that revokes their looked-after status.

What is a Care Leaver?

A Care Leaver is defined by the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 as a young person who has been in the care of a local authority for at least 13 weeks, including time spent in care on or after their 16th birthday. However, the Care Leavers' Association supports a broader definition, considering any adult who has spent time in care as a care leaver.

Care leavers are legally entitled to receive ongoing support and assistance from their local authority.

To learn more about the rights and support available for Care Leavers, click here.

Why should we use the term "Children in Care" (CIC)?

Using the term Children in Care (CIC) is essential to ensure that young people feel respected, valued and heard. Many children have expressed that the term Looked After Children (LAC) can make them feel stigmatised, different and devalued, which can negatively impact their self-esteem. Given that children in care are already at risk of exclusion, discrimination and low self-esteem, using a term that reflects their preferences is crucial.

The NSPCC emphasises, "Not all children and young people want the same things, but they all want to be listened to and feel they have choice and control in their lives. Asking children how they want to be referred to is a great way to start the conversation."

At Baker Baker Health, we prioritise making young people feel loved, valued and listened to, which is why we use the term Children in Care wherever possible.

What is the Role of a Social Worker for Children in Care?

Every child in care is assigned a named social worker. Their primary responsibility is ensuring the child lives in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment that meets their needs. This includes overseeing the child’s placement, education, social development and medical care. 

Social workers play a crucial role as the child’s main advocate. This relationship is often deeply meaningful, providing the young person with guidance and support during a pivotal time in their life.

Social workers act on behalf of the local authority, which takes on the role of "Corporate Parent" for the child. To learn more about this important responsibility, you can read our blog article on Corporate Parenting.

At Baker Baker Health, we collaborate closely with social workers to arrange health assessments for children in care. Social workers help implement recommendations from these assessments, ensuring the child’s health and wellbeing needs are addressed comprehensively.

What is Corporate Parenting?

In England, the term "Corporate Parenting" refers to the collective responsibility of local authorities, as outlined in the Children Act 2004, to provide the highest standard of care and protection for  children in their care. Local authorities are expected to act as any good parent would, ensuring the child’s welfare, development and overall well-being.

Corporate Parenting emphasises the importance of creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment that meets the child’s individual needs, helping them achieve their full potential.

To learn more about this important responsibility, you can read our blog article on Corporate Parenting.