Aaron W Bohannon Senior Public Health Manager, Leicestershire County Council, Glenfield
Abstract
Looked after children (LAC) are a vulnerable group with particular challenges for their health and, as of March 2014, 6 out of every 1000 children in England were looked after by the local authority. While this is a small number of children, they are a vulnerable group who face a number of significant challenges for their health and wellbeing.
Leicestershire and Rutland are rural and relatively affluent counties with the health of children in each mostly better than the England average. Both counties; however, recognise the importance of giving children the best start in life and have made this a priority in their Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The JSNA highlights the importance of “ensuring that the most vulnerable children have the best opportunity for good health and wellbeing throughout their lives.”
Following a recommendation report produced by the Designated LAC nurse for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, Leicestershire Public Health recently conducted a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for Looked after Children in Leicestershire and Rutland. The HNA report yielded several recommendations which have led to a multiagency task and finish group to investigate and address potential links between tobacco and bullying, grooming and exploitation in the context of children’s homes.
Source of funding: Leicestershire Public Health funding.
Declaration of interest: We have no conflicts of interest that we are aware of.
