Local Authority Care vs. Ward of the Court

Attribute	Local Authority Care	Ward of the Court
Legal Status	Child is placed in care by the local authority	Child is under the care and supervision of the court
Decision Making	Decisions regarding the child are made by the local authority	Decisions regarding the child are made by the court
Placement	Child may be placed in foster care, residential care, or with relatives	Child may be placed in foster care, residential care, or with relatives
Duration	Placement can be short-term or long-term	Placement is typically until the child reaches adulthood

Introduction

When a child is in need of care and protection, there are two main options available: Local Authority Care and Ward of the Court. Both of these options involve the state taking responsibility for the child's welfare, but there are key differences between the two. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Local Authority Care and Ward of the Court to help you understand the implications of each.

Legal Status

One of the main differences between Local Authority Care and Ward of the Court is the legal status of the child. In Local Authority Care, the child remains under the care of their parents, but the local authority has a duty to ensure their welfare. On the other hand, when a child becomes a Ward of the Court, the court takes on parental responsibility for the child, making all decisions regarding their care and upbringing.

Decision Making

In Local Authority Care, decisions regarding the child's welfare are typically made by social workers in conjunction with the child's parents. The local authority will work with the family to create a care plan that meets the child's needs. In contrast, when a child is made a Ward of the Court, all decisions regarding their care and upbringing are made by the court. This can include decisions about where the child will live, their education, and any medical treatment they may require.

Duration of Care

Local Authority Care is often seen as a temporary measure, with the goal of reuniting the child with their family once the issues that led to their placement in care have been resolved. In some cases, children may only be in Local Authority Care for a short period of time. On the other hand, being made a Ward of the Court is typically a more permanent arrangement. The court will continue to have legal responsibility for the child until they reach the age of majority.

Support Services

Children in Local Authority Care are entitled to a range of support services to help meet their needs. This can include access to therapy, educational support, and assistance with finding suitable accommodation. The local authority will work with the child and their family to ensure they receive the support they require. In contrast, children who are made Wards of the Court may have access to similar support services, but these will be overseen by the court rather than the local authority.

Legal Rights

Children in Local Authority Care retain their legal rights, including the right to have their views taken into account in decisions that affect them. The local authority has a duty to consult with the child and involve them in decisions about their care. However, when a child becomes a Ward of the Court, their legal rights may be more limited. The court has the final say on all decisions regarding the child's care, and the child may have less input into these decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Local Authority Care and Ward of the Court involve the state taking responsibility for a child's welfare, but there are key differences between the two options. Local Authority Care is often seen as a temporary measure, with decisions about the child's care made in conjunction with their parents. On the other hand, being made a Ward of the Court is typically a more permanent arrangement, with the court making all decisions regarding the child's care. It is important to understand these differences when considering the best option for a child in need of care and protection.