Children in care and care leavers

Find support for children in care and care leavers, children's accommodation services in Suffolk, and details of the Virtual School for Looked After Children.

Changes to this service from 5 October 2026

We're changing the way we support children in care and care leaders to enhance the service we offer.

From 5 October 2026, children in care will be supported by new Parenting Together teams. Young people leaving care will receive support from new Next Steps teams.

We will start preparing children from 14 years old to leave care. This means they'll get the right plan for their futures. You can find out more about services for young people leaving care.

Services for young people leaving care
Support for young people leaving the care of the local authority at the age of and after they've left care until they reach 25 years old.
Early intervention and prevention for children living in children homes
Introduction to Staying Close, which is a pilot project to develop the early intervention and prevention offer to children living in children homes in Suffolk.
Children's accommodation service
Find out about admissions to Suffolk County Council's children's homes.
Engagement Hub - Supporting children and young people to have their say
The Engagement Hub team supports opportunities for children and young people to have a voice, shape services, learn new skills and influence the world around them.
The Virtual School for children in care
The Suffolk Virtual School supports the educational progress of children in the care of Suffolk County Council.
Corporate Parenting
Collective responsibility of local authorities actively promoting the life chances of children in care and care leavers.
The Family Business
An employment model designed to empower care leavers on their journey to success.

The Source website gives information to children and young people who are in care or going into care.

Changes to the Children in Care Health team

The Children in Care Health Team has transferred to the West Suffolk NHS Trust. You can contact them by emailing childrenincareadmin@wsh.nhs.uk.