Language matters deeply in fostering and social care. The words professionals use influence how children feel, how they are perceived, and how confidently they engage with the world around them. One phrase that often sparks discussion is “looked after children.” It appears frequently in policy, practice, and everyday conversation; but that doesn’t always mean it’s the most suitable choice.

This blog explains when the term might be used, why it may be less appropriate, and why thoughtful language helps protect children’s dignity.

What Does “Looked After Children” Mean? The Legal Definition

In the UK, ‘looked after children’ is a term used in the Children and Social Care Act 2017 and Children’s Act 1989. A child is “looked after” by a local authority if they:

• Are provided with accommodation for more than 24 hours by the local authority
• Are subject to a care order
• Are under a placement order

 This includes children living with:

• Foster parents
• Kinship carers
• Residential care providers
• Local authority accommodation

When the Term Is Appropriate

There are situations where using ‘looked after children’ is appropriate because it reflects the exact terminology used in legislation and statutory documents. For example:

1. Legal and Statutory Documents

• Children Act 1989
• Children and Social Care Act 2017
• Children and Families Act 2014

2. Local Authority Processes

Local authorities sometimes use the term ‘children looked after’, however, you may still come across the term ‘looked after child’ in…

• Looked After Child Reviews
• Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
• Health assessments
• Case audits and reporting

3. Professional and Multi‑Agency Settings

• Education data (Department of Education, school census, inclusion reports)
• Safeguarding policies and training
• Academic research and professional publications

In these contexts, the term ensures clarity, consistency, and compliance across services and systems.

When the Term May Be Less Suitable

While sometimes appropriate in formal contexts, using ‘looked after children’ can feel clinical, impersonal, or even stigmatising.

Children have shared that hearing themselves described as “LAC” in meetings or school discussions can feel like their care status defines them. Some say it makes them feel “different,” “labelled,” or “talked about rather than talked to”. That’s why there is a shift in both professional and personal settings to use more respectful alternative phrasing.

Why We Prefer to Say “Child Looked After”

At Family Fostering Partners, we intentionally use the phrase ‘child looked after’ instead of ‘looked after child’ or ‘looked after children’ in our everyday practice.

This subtle shift helps to:

• Place the child first
• Emphasise their individuality
• Reduce the feeling of being categorised
• Encourage language rooted in respect and humanity

Regardless of the setting, we always use the term ‘child looked after’ – making an active choice to use language that is child‑centred is central to our values and beliefs. 

Related Terms Explained

Looked After Child (LAC)

A formal legal term used in some UK legislation and statutory guidance.

Child Looked After (CLA)

A more child‑centred phrasing preferred in practice. 

Foster Child

An outdated phrase describing a child living with foster parents.

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure accuracy and sensitivity.

Why Language Matters: Real‑Life Impact

The language we use to describe children shapes not only how others perceive them, but how they come to understand themselves. When terms like “looked after children” appear in policy or in everyday practice, they don’t exist in a vacuum; children often hear these words in reviews, meetings, and conversations about their lives. We would never describe a child with a broken leg as a “broken‑legged child,”. The same principle should guide how we talk about children in care. Our responsibility is to choose language that protects their dignity, recognises their individuality, and avoids reducing them to their circumstances. 

FAQs About the Term “Looked After Children”

Is “looked after child” the same as “foster child”?

A ‘foster child’ is an infrequently used term describing a child living with foster parents. A ‘looked after child’ may live in various settings; such as in residential care or kinship care. Using the term ‘Child Looked After’ negates the need to use either of the above terms.  

Is “looked after children” offensive?

It isn’t offensive, but it can feel impersonal.

Is “Child Looked After” correct?

Yes. Many professionals prefer to use this phrase.

Why do some professionals still use “LAC”?

Yes – the term appears in policies and official documents. For people who have worked in social care for many years, it can be hard to shift to the new acronym ‘CLA’.  However, many organisations do not use the word ‘LAC’ due to its potential to feel depersonalising. 

What term does the Department of Education or Ofsted use?

Both use ‘looked after children’ in their guidance, frameworks and reporting.

Putting Children at the Centre- In Language and Practice

At Family Fostering Partners, we believe that language should empower, uplift, and honour every child. Whether we’re using formal terminology in statutory processes or choosing more human language in everyday interactions, our commitment remains the same: to place children at the heart of everything we do.If you’re considering fostering or simply want to understand more about how fostering works, we’re here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way. If you’re reading this blog and have reached this section, you care about using the correct terminology to address children who are looked after. Contact us today to explore how you can further support children requiring foster care.