children who are looked after social work ... putting people first A NE FOR A' what does ‘looked after’ In addition, children and young people mean? with particular needs and/or disabilities may benefit from overnight stays away Falkirk Council has a legal duty under from their family, or their families may the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to require a break from providing their safeguard and promote the welfare of child’s full time care. Generally children wherever possible in their own children/young people who access home and community. respite or short breaks in these circumstances do so on a voluntary We work with children and their basis and there is no involvement with families on a voluntary basis where we the Children’s Hearing. However, can, but in the minority of cases where children who receive respite or short this isn’t possible, it may be necessary breaks are also considered to be for a Children’s Hearing to impose a ‘looked after’ as the local authority has Supervision Requirement. In these a responsibility to review the support circumstances the child is referred to provided to the child and their current as being ‘looked after’. This means needs, to ensure the support offered that the child lives at home with their is appropriate. families whilst receiving support and supervision from a social worker to For further information on short address the issues which led to their breaks for children/young people attendance at a Children’s Hearing. with a disability you can contact the children with disabilities team If it has been agreed that remaining at on 01324 504646, or e-mail: home is not the most suitable option
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