Appendix C: Looking After Children: the LAC framework

The Looking After Children project has been implemented in a number of jurisdictions to guide the assessment of the developmental needs of children in care and to determine whether services are meeting the needs of children.

Seven developmental dimensions have been identified, encompassing both physical and emotional well-being. These are set out below.

C.1 Health

This domain covers the physical health and well-being of children in care. The following questions were used to assess the physical health of Canadian children in care:

• Are the children in our sample normally well?
• To what extent do they have special health needs which must be met?
• Are they exposed to a balanced and healthy diet?
• Do they get regular exercise?
• Are they (particularly the older youth) aware of risks associated with addictive substances?
• Are needs for information with respect to sexuality being met?

C.2 Education

This domain covers the educational outcomes of, and supports available to, children in care. The following questions were used to assess the educational outcomes of Canadian children in care:

• What is the general picture with regard to educational attainment?
• To what extent can we determine the quality of care in terms of educational needs? (This would include meeting special educational needs, guarding against school disruption, home supports for schooling, ability to pursue special interests).
• What are the literacy skills of the looked-after children and youth?
• Is adequate planning taking place with respect to long-term (career) educational needs?

C.3 Identity

This domain relates to the knowledge and understanding that children in care have of their identity, history and background. The following questions were asked to determine whether children in care retained a link to their family and identity.

• Do the young people have sufficient knowledge of their family of origin?
• What attention is being paid to the importance of life books and background information?
• Do they have sufficient understanding of their current situation?
• Are they comfortable in explaining it to others?
• Is care received sensitive to their cultural and ethnic roots (including language)?
• Do these young people have a generally positive view of themselves?
• Is this reinforced by their care givers?
• Is there a sense of optimism about the future?

C.4 Family and social relationships

This domain covers the family and social relationships experienced by children in care. The following questions were used to assess these connections and relationships:

• were used to assess these connections and relationships:
• How well has the need for continuity of care been met?
• Are there continuing contacts with family members?
• Are the young person's needs for affection being met, including having a definite attachment to at least one foster parent?
• Is there someone to whom the young person can turn in times of need?
• Does the young person have a home base where there will always be a welcome?

C.5 Social presentation

This domain covers the social presentation of children in care in terms of their appearance and communication. The following questions were used to assess the social presentation of Canadian children in care:

• Do they and their foster parents think they look as though they take care of themselves properly?
• Do they have suitable clothing?
• Is their appearance and behaviour acceptable to other young people and to adults?
• Can they communicate easily with others?

C.6 Emotional and behavioural development

This domain covers the emotional and behavioural development of children in care. The following questions were used to assess the emotional and behavioural development of Canadian children in care and the level of services being provided to address their needs:

• To what degree are these young people free of serious emotional and behavioural problems?
• Can they relate well to adults?
• Can they relate well to their peers?
• Are there specific behavioural problems?
• Do they suffer from internalised problems (worry, anxiety, etc.)?
• Do they feel protected (safe from harm)?
• Is treatment being provided for any persistent problems?

C.7 Self-care skills

This domain relates to the self-care skills of children in care, including their independence and support networks. The following questions were used to assess the self-care skills of Canadian children in care:

• Can these young people function independently at a level appropriate to their age and ability?
• Are they being helped to develop practical skills and knowledge essential to independence?
• Are they clear about future plans?
• For the older youth, are their plans for independence realistic?
• Do they have someone to call if they run into difficulties?