Care and support

Looked After Children

The best place for children to be is with their families.
Every month about 40 children in Hertfordshire come into public care because they cannot be supported by their own families. Where possible the council tries to keep children in the same family together. Some just need to be looked after for a short period before returning to their family. Others need to be looked after for much longer. For parents of disabled children the county council operates a shared care scheme which provides respite care for children enabling their carers to have a break.

Only a few children, who are severely disabled or need specialist care or support, live in residential homes.

The Corporate Parenting Panel looks after the interests of all children and young people in the county council's care. You can find more information about Looked After Children by following the links below.