What does "LAC" stand for?

In the context of child welfare, LAC stands for Looked After Children. This term originates from the Children’s Act 1989 and refers to children who are placed under the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours. These children receive care and support to ensure their safety, well-being, and development.

What is a "Looked After Child"?

A Looked After Child (LAC) is a child who has been placed under the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours, as outlined by the Children’s Act 1989. This can happen for various reasons, including the child’s safety and well-being. Local authorities are responsible for meeting the child’s needs as a parent would, a duty known as Corporate Parenting. Through Corporate Parenting, local authorities ensure that Looked After Children receive the necessary support, care, and opportunities for healthy development.

For more information on Corporate Parenting, have a read of our blog article here.

What does "CIC" stand for?

CIC stands for Children in Care, which is an alternative term to Looked After Children (LAC) as defined in the Children’s Act 1989. Although Looked After Children is the official legal term, Children in Care is commonly used and often preferred by young people themselves. Both terms refer to children who are under the care of a local authority.

What is the difference between "LAC" and "CIC"?

In the context of children’s welfare, LAC stands for Looked After Children, while CIC stands for Children in Care. Both terms are used to describe children who are in the care of a local authority for more than 24 hours, as defined by the Children’s Act 1989. While "Looked After Child" is the legal term, "Children in Care" is often used interchangeably and is preferred by the young people.