Childcare
Child protection
The child protection scheme takes measures to safeguard
vulnerable children and young people at risk or suffering from
physical, emotional or sexual abuse. This involves investigating
reports of suspected abuse and where appropriate applying for a
Child Assessment Order, Care Order, Supervision Order or Emergency
Protection Order.
Hospice care for children
Children's hospices provide respite and
terminal care for children suffering from life-limiting conditions
in a home-from-home environment. Care is provided for the child and
their family at no cost to them for as long as is necessary,
including post bereavement support.
Children and young people - residential care
Provision of residential accommodation for
children and young people who cannot live with their natural
families. Prior to a placement in residential accommodation there
will be assessment of need undertaken in conjunction with the young
person (and their family if appropriate), social workers and
residential staff
Shared care for children
The Shared Care Scheme aims to provide regular
short term breaks for children and young people with disabilities,
by linking them with approved carers who look after them for short
periods of time. This can be from a few hours to a weekend a
month.
Young carers - support and advice
The local authority Social Services team offer
young carers and their families support information and advice. The
service provides recreational respite, advocacy, a befriending
service and therapeutic support to young people who have caring
responsibilities for a relative with a long-term illness or
disability.
INFORM 0-19
INFORM 0-19 is an information service for
parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19 and holds
a list of all registered childcare in Bedfordshire (excluding
Luton). For a list of childminders, pre-schools / playgroups and
day nurseries or for advice on help with childcare costs, please
call the INFORM 0-19 helpline on 0800 023 2057.