Definition of terms

Care order

A local authority will seek a legal care order when it is considered necessary in the interest of a young person’s welfare that they are removed from their home. In this situation the local authority takes on the role of main carer with responsibility for the young person. However, it is good practice, as the Children Act states (1989, 22, (4) (b)), for the local authority to continue working in partnership with the parents concerned.

However, whether young people are accommodated or are subject to a care order, many remain in contact with their family and will return home after an appropriate period of time in care.