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.
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 whilst they remain in care and as care leavers.
The team is made up of specialist nurses, supported by a secretary who acts as the single point of contact for thier service.
The specialist nurses are located in Eastbourne and cover East Sussex excluding Brighton and Hove.
When a child is in care they will be offered a health assessment. The first of these takes place within a month of coming into care and is undertaken by a paediatrician.
Depending upon the childs age, health reviews will then take place every 6 or 12 months and will be completed by a Health Visitor Champion or a Specialist Nurse. The team ensure that high quality health assessments are offered to all children and young people who are looked after when they are due. They will also follow up to make sure that any actions on the health care plan are completed.
The nurses also offer:
The Children in Care Nursing Team value your feedback. Please click on the link below to complete a short survey:
Heather Lomas
Designated Nurse for Children in Care
