Health
For a child looked after or in care the Local Authority has part or full responsibility to act as the ‘good parent’ and ensure health and education needs are met. As the social worker you will have an active role to play in this on your own cases to ensure both emotionally and physically the child grows and develops.
Children who are in care have usually suffered some form of health suffering and this is usually the reason for them being in care e.g. poor housing, poverty, overcrowding. It could be parental illness/neglect whereby the child has missed basic health …show more content…
A child in care may become withdrawn and will anyone notice/realise? Nobody will know the real personality for a long while. If the child suffered, usually the case but not always, medical records will be very brief and it will be hard to follow and know what’s what. Vitally important you ensure the child is overseen by an appropriate medical team and is continually monitored and assessed in recognised ways to ensure acceptable development and growth. This should be part of the child’s care plan.
Whether a child is looked after or in care those with parental responsibility still have the right to make health care decisions. All decisions need to be made, or tried, in consultation with parents/child. If, as a social worker, you feel the parents decision is detrimental to the child then you can apply to the court for a power to arrange medical treatment.