There are many reasons why a child may become looked after. Some will have had harmful experiences, including physical and sexual abuse, while others may be in care because of the illness or death of a parent.

The majority of young people in care come from families who experience difficulties. They are separated from their family because it is unable to provide the care needed. Vulnerable unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK will also become looked after if they are assessed as being under 18 and have no family members here who can look after them. A small percentage of children and young people are in care because of offences they have committed.

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