What does being a Child in Care (CIC), Child Looked After (CLA) or Looked after Child (LAC) mean?

When a child or young person (from birth to their 18th birthday) is made the subject of a care order, resulting in the local authority having a legal responsibility for the child or young person. Parents can continue to have parental responsibility, but the local authority can limit parental responsibility if this is necessary in the interests of the child’s welfare. For the purpose of this section we will use the term Child in Care.

Legal basis:

• Section 31 (The Children Act 1989) in care of the local authority on a care order or interim care order.
• Section 21(2) (Children Act 1989) i.e. remanded to the care of the local authority.
• Section 44 (Children Act 1989) an emergency protection order
• Section 20 (The Children Act 1989) A child or young person can also become ‘looked after’ or a ‘child in care’ by voluntary agreement at the request of parent/s, with parent/s consent or at the request of the young person’s if aged 16-17 years

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the responsible commissioner for Children in Care originating from Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire and work in collaboration with Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Council Local Authorities to act in the best interests of the child and young person.

The ICB commissions the statutory healthcare provision for Children in Care originating from Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, unaccompanied children placed within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and children originating from other authorities placed within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, ensuring an equitable service across all cohorts.

---

Referral information

If you are referring into Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Children in Care services please ensure you contact the correct area where the Child or Young person is placed.

---

Designated nurse

The Designated Nurse for Children in Care role is strategic planning, quality assurance and performance monitoring and is essential in advising on the provision of services for “Looked After Children and Care Leavers” within the health economy, (Looked After Children: roles and competencies for healthcare staff, 2020), acting as an advocate for Children in Care and Care Leavers. 

Designated Nurse for Children in Care for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB: Angela Richardson

Associate Designated Nurse for Children in Care for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB: Sarah Shaw

Both of whom can be contacted via the generic LAC secure email: nnicb-nn.nottinghamcityandcountylac@nhs.net

---

Designated doctors

Nottingham & Nottinghamshire ICB also employ four Designated Doctors for Children in Care – aligning to the different areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. They work alongside the Designated Nurses promoting the health and welfare of Children in Care.

Their role is strategic, to assist the ICB and other commissioners of health services, in fulfilling their responsibilities to improve the health of Children in Care.

The Designated Drs for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB are:

• Dr. Jailosi Gondwe
• Dr. Victoria Walker
• Dr. Edna Ongosi

The Designated Doctors can be contacted via the ICB LAC team generic secure email: nnicb-nn.nottinghamcityandcountylac@nhs.net

---

CAMHS services

Where a Child in Care originates from another local authority and is placed in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, they will be eligible to access support from CAMHS. For further information please follow the links below:

County – Children Looked After and Adoption Team

City – CAMHS / Behavioural & Emotional Health Team

---

Care Leavers

The Local Authority has a responsibility to support young people who leave care at 18 years old.  The level of support available will depend on the age entering care, length of time in care but support is available up to the age of 25 years old.

For more information regarding Care Leavers offer and service in Nottingham City please see link below:

Extended Local Offer for Care Leavers

For more information regarding the Care Leavers offer and service in Nottinghamshire please see link below:

Nottshelpyourself