There are more than 68,000 looked-after children and young people in England, with numbers increasing each year. Abuse or neglect is the most common reason for children and young people entering care (62%), and family dysfunction is the second most common cause.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has summarised its existing recommendations to support local authorities in promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people.  Through partnership working and their public health leadership role, local authorities can improve the health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people.

The briefing highlights NICE’s quality standard on looked-after children and young people which comprises 8 statements that define best practice and relate to areas needing improvement. The statements include that looked-after children and young people should:

• live in stable placements that take account of their needs and preferences
• experience warm, nurturing care
• receive the services they need if they move across local authority or health boundaries
• move to independence at their own pace when they leave care.

The recommendations signposted in the briefing include:

• planning, commissioning and monitoring placements and case reviews for looked-after babies, children and young people
• health assessments of, and keeping records and information on, looked-after babies, children and young people
• promoting and supporting diversity in relation to looked-after babies, children and young people.

Professor Mike Kelly, Director of the Centre for Public Health at NICE said: “Early life experiences have long-term consequences for the emotional and physical health, and social development of looked-after children and young people. Many children and young people have positive experiences in the care system and go on to do well in their education and career, but a high proportion experience poor educational, health and social outcomes after leaving care. 

“Implementing the recommendations in this briefing will help local authority services and educational, health and social care organisations, and professionals – including foster carers – work together. The recommendations promote integrated services and high-quality, stable placements within local authorities, and across local authority boundaries. This will support local authorities in improving the health and life chances of looked-after children and young people.”

ENDS

For more information call Dr Tonya Gillis at the NICE press office on 0300 323 0142 or out of hours on 07775 583 813.

Notes to Editors

About the new Local Government Public Health Briefing

1. At the end of March 2013, there were more than 68,000 looked-after children and young people in England. (Children looked after in England, including adoption Department for Education 2013).
2. NICE’s local government briefings aim to help councillors and local authority staff find out which public health actions are most effective in improving the health of people in their area, while also providing the best value for money.  Based on recommendations from existing NICE public health, clinical guidance and quality standards, the briefings have been developed with input from the independent Local Government Reference Group. The group comprises councillors, local government officers, and others with an interest in community health and wellbeing.  The briefings are in addition to NICE’s ongoing programme producing public health guidance. Topics covered include tobacco, physical activity and workplace health, alcohol, health inequalities and behaviour change.