Looked After Children JSNA

Introduction

Looked After Children (LAC) are children and young people who are cared for by a local authority for more than 24 hours, either through voluntary accommodation, a care order, a placement order, or because they are unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children. Their entry into care is most commonly the result of abuse, neglect, family dysfunction or families in acute stress, all of which fall under the wider umbrella of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Looked After Children represent one of the most vulnerable population groups, requiring intensive multi‑agency oversight, statutory safeguarding duties and long‑term planning through the principles of corporate parenting1.

LAC face a wide range of health and wellbeing risks. They experience significantly poorer emotional and mental health than their peers and have higher rates of special educational needs, behavioural difficulties, and trauma‑related conditions. Instability in placements—particularly frequent moves or being placed out of the local area—can increase anxiety and disrupt schooling, social networks, and access to consistent healthcare. LAC are also at elevated risk of sexual exploitation, involvement in county lines activity, and exposure to further harm if placed in unsuitable settings. As these children progress into early adulthood, many face challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, and continued mental health difficulties, particularly if care planning has not been stable or supportive1.

The societal costs associated with LAC are considerable. Research shows that care‑experienced young people are much more likely to enter the criminal justice system, with one in three receiving a caution or conviction and custodial sentences being eight times more common among this group compared to non‑care‑experienced peers. Poorer educational outcomes and higher rates of exclusion contribute to reduced lifetime earnings and increased reliance on welfare systems, creating longer‑term economic pressures for local and national government. Moreover, the higher prevalence of mental health needs and complex trauma within the LAC population increases demand on CAMHS, social care, youth justice, and housing support services, reflecting long‑lasting public sector involvement2.

For local authorities, supporting LAC effectively is therefore both a statutory responsibility and a critical public health priority. Ensuring stability, access to high‑quality healthcare and education, and trauma‑informed support can significantly improve life chances, reduce long‑term expenditure, and help break cycles of disadvantage and intergenerational harm.

Looked After Children JSNA

Introduction

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