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Children sit together at a table sharing food and drinks in a restaurant setting. Children sit together at a table sharing food and drinks in a restaurant setting.

Children in Care

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Children in Care services support the health and wellbeing of children and young people who are being legally looked after by their local authority. By working together with GPs, parents and carers, local health services and care providers, the service makes sure that none of a child’s health needs go unnoticed.

About the team

Our team includes a range of doctors and nurses specialised in supporting children in care.

We’re here to support children in care with all areas of their health. We do this by carrying out personalised health assessments every six to twelve months, and we look at the whole picture of their health history and current wellbeing. We also speak to the child’s GP, parents or carers and any health professional to get extra information.

From there, we’ll write up a summary of the child’s healthcare so far and their health needs going forward – and over time we review this to make sure their needs are being met. With their consent, we can also refer children and young people to other specialist services who can offer more support.

If we are not the right service to support a child, we will help you find the right place to go.

Who this service is for

We can usually help if:

  • The child is being cared for by the local authority, and has been for more than 24 hours
  • The child is on a Care Order or Interim Care Order
  • The child is under a Placement Order

We may not be the right service if:

  • The young person is over 18 years old
  • The child isn’t being cared for by the local authority
  • The child hasn’t been cared for by the local authority for more than 24 hours
  • You live outside the area covered by this service

Questions and answers

What is an Initial Health Assessment?
An Initial Health Assessment (IHA) is a health appointment that aims to be done within 28 days of a child or young person coming into care. The assessment is done by either a paediatrician or another specialist in child healthcare.
What happens during the Initial Health Assessment?
During the IHA, your child’s doctor will need to get a full picture of their health. This includes looking at their development, their height and weight, their emotional, dental and oral health, previous vaccinations and any medications they’re on, any history of substance misuse, and their sexual health and relationships.
Is the health assessment confidential?
Yes – like adults, children and young people always have the right to confidentiality. Information about their healthcare is only shared in their care plan with their consent. The only time our team can pass on information about a child’s health and wellbeing is if they are at risk of serious harm or a risk to others, and we will discuss this with the child first whenever possible.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, of course. We understand that health assessments can be difficult or worrying for children and young people, so we’re always open to an adult or carer sitting in on the appointment if that is what the child wants.

Locations

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Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health
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