Looked after children and young people are some of our most vulnerable and have specific support needs.

The term 'looked after' is based on the meaning from the Children's (Scotland) Act 1995. This term includes children looked after at home or children looked after away from home.

Looked after children away from home can be cared for:

  • by foster carers or relatives (kinship care)
  • in a residential unit
  • in a residential school or secure unit.

Not all children looked after by relatives are classed as looked after.

Educational Services is committed to improving life chances for looked after young people in care and when leaving care.

Support in Care  Support when leaving care

Find out more about:

Services for Looked After Children in WDC

More information on the types of care available for looked after children in West Dunbartonshire.

Support for looked after children in Scotland

CELCIS is the Centre for excellence for looked after children in Scotland. We work together with partners to improve the lives of all looked after children in Scotland.