Children’s safeguarding update: Looked after children

August 1, 2018

The looked after children (LAC) service, previously based within the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), joined the Trust’s safeguarding children’s team in October 2017.

Since November 2017 there has been a significant increase in the number of children who became looked after. Current figures are 812 LAC in Sandwell compared to the previous year of 493. All LAC require statutory review health assessments; 6 monthly for under 5 years of age, children 5 years and over is yearly. 93% had their statutory review health assessment (RHA) in 2017-2018, above the national target of 85%.

The RHAs are completed by school nursing service/health visiting/named nurse or specialist LAC nurses dependant on where the child lives or school attended.

You can contact the service on 0121 507 2844.

For Sandwell Children’s Social Care referral please call 0121 569 3100 and for Birmingham Children’s Social Care referral please call 0121 303 1888.