Looked after and adopted children

Abstract

Looked after children are a vulnerable group with significant health promotion needs. They are at risk of attachment difficulties and unidentified physical and mental health needs. They often have developmental and educational concerns. This chapter introduces the legal and human rights framework and describes what looked after children tell us is important. It outlines the evidence for looked after children having health promotion, attachment, mental, and physical health needs and concludes with some recommendations on the most effective interventions.