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Care leaver

A young person who has been in local authority care and has left it, usually at age 16 to 18.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
Safeguarding and child protection

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Looked-after child (LAC) All four UK nations (details may differ)
A child in the care of a local authority, for example living with foster carers or in a children's home. Often now called a child looked after (CLA).

More terms: Safeguarding and child protection

CCE · Child looked after · Child protection · Child protection plan · Contextual safeguarding · Corporate parent

More terms starting with C · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.