Children in Wales facilitates this Group which is made up of representatives from a range of organisations and networks who provide services to ‘looked after’ children in the field of health. The membership of the group at present includes representation from:

• British Association for Adoption and Fostering Medical Group
• Looked After Children Specialist Nurses Forum
• Care Leavers Network
• Association of Directors of Social Services
• Welsh Local Government Association
• Public Health Wales
• Local Health Boards
• Voices from Care
• Fostering Network
• Voluntary sector agencies

Purpose of the group

To provide a forum to support policy development. Membership of this Group provides an opportunity to share practice, experience and knowledge with the overarching aim of promoting and enhancing the health of children looked after by local authorities and those leaving care.

Objectives

• To facilitate information exchange across sectors – in particular between health, social care and the non-statutory sector.
• To coordinate and review on an all-Wales basis, relevant current policy and practice as it impacts on the health of children looked after and those leaving care.
• To seek opportunities for collective lobbying and/or shared campaign work.
• To make links with other relevant all Wales networks.
• To provide an opportunity to share information, experiences, knowledge and ideas.

Contact Sean O'Neill, Policy Director, Tel: 029 2034 2434

Supporting and promoting the Health needs of Looked after Children in Wales

The Looked after Children Health Exchange (LACHE), coordinated by Children in Wales, has released this Practice Guide which provides a practice and operational overview for individuals and organisations with a keen interest in supporting and promoting the health needs of Looked after Children in Wales.