what is a looked after child
The definition of looked-after children (children in care) is found in the Children Act 1989. A child is looked after by a local authority if a court has granted a care order to place a child in care, or a councilâs childrenâs services department has cared for the child for more than 24 hours.On reaching the age of 18, children cease to be considered looked-after by a council.Looked-after children There are 60,000 children in care in England and Wales including about 40,000 in fostering. (Source: Care Matters). Scotland has nearly 13,000 looked-after children. (More on looked-after children in Scotland).n reaching the age of 18, children cease to be considered looked-after by a council. Looked-after children There are 60,000 children in care in England and Wales including about 40,000 in fostering.