Caring for Children

Wherever possible it is best for children to be brought up by their own parents. Hampshire Children’s Services will therefore work with families to enable children to stay safely at home with their parents.

Where this is not possible and the child has to be cared for away from home, there are a number of different options available, or routes through care, depending upon individual circumstances.

If children cannot be looked after by their birth parents, suitable options may be available within:

• Adoption and Fostering
• Residential Care
• Children Looked After
• Special Guardianship
• Residence Order
• Secure Children's Home

Is somebody else's child staying with you for a while? If so please read about Private Fostering, and Family and Friends Care

For further information also see:

• Parental Responsibility
• Care Matters