Looked After Child

(LAC)

A child accommodated by the local authority under section 20 Children Act 1989 (voluntary accommodation) or section 31 (care order). Includes children in foster care, residential care, supported lodgings, and placed with parents subject to a care order. The council has parental responsibility (jointly with parents) for s.31 children.

Around 80,000 children in England are 'looked after' at any time. The LAC status engages specific protections: care plans, regular reviews, independent reviewing officers (IRO), advocacy services, leaving care support (Children Leaving Care Act 2000 — Pathway Plans, personal advisers up to 25). Long-term LAC outcomes (education, mental health, employment, criminal justice) are significantly worse than for the general population — concern recognised through the 2018 Children Act amendments and ongoing reform programmes.

Official guidance

Related terms

Children Act 1989Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

Related guides

Care Proceedings: When the Council Applies to Take a Child into Care

When social services decide a child is at risk, they can apply to the court for a Care Order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989. The process is fast (26 weeks), the consequences are profound, and you have strong rights — including non-means-tested legal aid. This guide explains the threshold test, the proceedings, the orders the court can make, and the practical steps that affect outcomes.

11 min

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