ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the complexity immediately encountered when approaching the task of improving the lives of Looked After Children (LAC). The government began approaching the needs of LAC through focusing on outcomes. These children’s academic qualifications are low, bringing very poor employment prospects. Looked After Children have always been among some of the most vulnerable in modern British society. Epidemiological surveys consistently demonstrate that, alarmingly, many have severe mental health difficulties and nearly all struggle with their emotional well-being. Babies and children need a secure emotional relationship with one or two main carers, usually a parent, in order to develop physically, emotionally and intellectually. However, for all there is a sense of not being able to make and use relationships with adults, simply because relationships with parents have not provided them with an adequate template. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.