ABSTRACT

Children who are unable to be cared for at home for a wide range of reasons, so that the local authority is required to place them away from home, are known as ‘looked-after’ children. The earlier term ‘in care’ was officially abandoned as it was stigmatising, but is still in fairly common use. Children who are looked after have greater health needs than their peers, yet are less likely to receive adequate health care and treatment or to be supported in developing their knowledge and skills in making decisions that promote their health and well-being. This chapter will examine health inequalities and the health needs of children placed away from home. It discusses ways health and other services can support the health of lookedafter children.