Meet the professional team behind every child in care

When a child comes into care, there’s a whole team of people working behind the scenes to make sure each child feels safe, heard and supported. Here’s a breakdown of some of the wider key people involved and how they help.

Child’s social worker

Every child in care has their own social worker, separate from their foster carer’s. Their role is to understand the child’s needs and wishes, help create a care plan and regularly check in with the child and attend reviews. They can make decisions in partnership with others about a child’s care, safety and future. They’re often the person who’s been with the child through several stages of their journey.

Guardian (CAFCASS Guardian or Children’s Guardian)

Appointed during court proceedings, a Guardian is an independent person who represents the child’s best interests in court. They meet with the child, speak with professionals involved, and advise the court on what they believe is best for the child’s long-term wellbeing. That can involve making a decision about a type of care order, a return to family or other arrangements based on what’s best for the child.

Foster carer’s supervising social worker

This is the foster carer’s key contact and source of support. Their job is to help foster carers feel confident and informed, offer guidance during challenges or changes and to make sure foster carers have the right training and resources. They’re also an advocate for carers within the wider team. 

Virtual School team

Virtual Schools oversee the education of children in care across the local area. Their job is to monitor progress and attendance, work with schools to make sure children are supported and to help with transitions, tutoring or additional needs. They can help with EHCPs, support schools to apply for funding and support children to meet their educational goals. Children in care often face disrupted education and this is the team that helps keep learning on track.

Designated Teacher

Every school has a Designated Teacher for children in care. They understand the needs of children in care, work with Virtual School and social workers and make sure the child is supported in school (both emotionally and academically). They help to write and update the child’s Personal Education Plan (PEP) and are often a familiar face for the child they’re supporting.

IRO - Independent Reviewing Officer

An IRO chairs the child’s reviews and makes sure their care plan is being followed. They may attend both education reviews and normal statutory reviews. They’re there to ensure the child’s voice is central to decision-making and to hold professionals to account if things aren’t progressing. They keep a long-term view of the child’s wellbeing and development and remain with the child throughout their whole time in foster care.

Advocate

An advocate is someone who works directly with the child, and may be from a charity. They make sure the child’s views and feelings are heard, especially during meetings or decisions that affect them. Advocates are independent of social care and may attend meetings with or on behalf of a child in care. All children have the right to request advocacy, and it can be especially helpful during times of uncertainty or change.

PA - Personal adviser (for care leavers)

From age 16, young people start preparing to leave care. A PA supports them into adulthood by helping with housing, budgeting and benefits. They can also support applications to college, uni or employment. They check in regularly as a consistent point of contact, and the relationship can continue until age 25, depending on the young person’s needs.

Other people who might be involved

Depending on the child’s needs, other professionals might include:

• Therapists - providing emotional and psychological support

• Youth workers - supporting life skills, hobbies or confidence

• SEN co-ordinators or educational psychologists - for learning needs

• Health visitor or LAC nurses - overseeing wellbeing and development

• Family time workers - supporting family time with birth relatives

Each child’s care journey is unique and so is their support network. What matters most is that everyone works together to support a child and make sure their needs are met. Foster carers are never left to manage alone. They’re part of this wider team and are supported at every step.

Thinking about fostering?

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, we’d love to chat to you. Book a call with our team today.

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