Children in care (CIC) nursing team

Children are in care for a number of reasons; sometimes just for a short while, or in some cases, until they become an adult.

Children may be in care because their parents have made an agreement with the local authority or it may be due to a court ruling which says a child is unable to live with their own family and requires looking after in care.

Being in care could mean a child lives with extended family and friends, foster carers, in a residential children’s home or in secure accommodation.

When you come into care you will have an Initial Health Assessment (IHA) – this is a statutory health assessment that is required to be completed within 20 days of coming into care and is completed by a paediatrician. Take a look at the My Health Assessment website for helpful information that prepares children for what will happen during the health assessment process. It is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 11 and should be accessed at home with the support of their carer.

Our service

The Children in Care service works in close partnership with children, young people, their carers, social workers and local authorities to ensure that children and young people’s health needs are supported during their time in care and as they leave care.

Our team is made up of specialist nurses, supported by a team of administrators who act as the single point of contact for the service.

Our specialist nurses cover all of East Sussex, excluding Brighton and Hove.

Health

When a child is in care they will be offered a health assessment. The first of these takes place within 20 days of coming into care and is undertaken by a paediatrician.

Depending upon the child’s age, health reviews will then take place every six or 12 months and will be completed by a Specialist Nurse. The team ensure that high quality health assessments are offered to all children and young people who are looked after and make sure that any actions on the health care plan are completed throughout the year.

Our nurses also offer:

  • health advice and information for children in care, their social worker and their carers
  • support for children in care to attend health appointments
  • information and support around a range of issues, including:
    • stopping smoking
    • healthy eating and weight
    • relationships
    • safe sex
    • drug and alcohol awareness
    • support for leaving care.

You said, we did

The Children in Care Nursing Team value your feedback. Please click on the link below to complete a short survey:

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Contact information

Children in Care

0300 131 4520