A care order gives the local authority overriding parental responsibility for a child. Where childrens services decide that the child cannot return to live with their birth parents and they need to secure a long term living option for the child the authority can apply to the court for a care order.

Care plans set out what services and other help will be provided to a looked after child and their family. The Care Plan will say what the council and other agencies will do to meet the childs needs around health, education, religion, culture and hobbies and sets out the longer term plan for the child's future.

The Looked After Children Education Support Service is responsible for ensuring that the local authority promotes the educational achievement of the children and young people in its care.

The local authority recruit volunteers to act as independent visitors for looked after children. The role of independent visitors is to visit, advise and befriend the young people allocated to them and to take a long-term interest in their welfare and development.

A local authority monitors the educational progress of all children in its care and offers advice and support to both children and carers. Where required any special needs will be considered when making educational arrangements for looked after children.

The local authority provides support for young people in the care of the council to prepare for their future. The council will work alongside the young person to prepare a plan for their future up until the age of 21 (or 24 if in further education). The plan should cover finance, education and employment, accommodation, health and emotional welfare.

Provides supported and paid work experience placements for young people who are deemed 'Looked After' i.e. (in the care of the local authority).