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.