You are known as a 'looked after' child or young person if you are under the age of 18 years old and you have been provided with somewhere to live by a social worker for more than 24 hours.
This may happen when:
- your parents or guardians have agreed with a social worker that you will be cared for away from home
- you are being cared for away from home because of a court order
You would be staying with foster carers or in a children's home. You might also be staying with another responsible adult who you, your parents or your guardians already know.
A care plan should be written within 14 days of you being looked after.