Reasons Why a Child May Be Taken Into Care in the UK

Understanding the realities behind foster care and why children need safe, loving homes.

Every year, thousands of children in the UK enter the care system, not because of anything they have done, but because they need protection, stability, and support. Understanding the reasons why a child may be taken into care is important for anyone considering fostering. It helps build empathy, awareness, and readiness for the challenges and rewards of supporting vulnerable children.

This guide explains the most common reasons children enter care, the process behind these decisions, and why foster carers play such a vital role in their lives.

1. Abuse or Neglect

The most common reason a child enters care is due to concerns about abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, or sexual).
This may include situations where:

• A child’s basic needs are consistently unmet
• They are left without supervision
• They experience emotional harm or instability
• They have suffered physical or sexual abuse

When a child is at immediate risk, social services may remove them for their safety.

2. Parental Mental Health Difficulties

Parents experiencing severe or unmanaged mental health issues may struggle to provide consistent care.
This doesn’t mean parents don’t love their children — rather, they may not be able to meet their child’s emotional or practical needs during difficult periods.

Social services may step in to keep a child safe while the parent receives treatment and support.

3. Domestic Violence in the Home

Children living in homes affected by domestic abuse may be taken into care if the environment becomes unsafe or emotionally harmful.
Witnessing violence — even if they are not directly harmed — can have long-term negative effects on a child’s wellbeing.

Foster carers can help children rebuild trust, confidence, and emotional security.

4. Substance Misuse

When parents struggle with drug or alcohol misuse, it can seriously impact their ability to care for their children.
Substance misuse may lead to:

• Unsafe home environments
• Neglect
• Unpredictable behaviour
• Exposure to dangerous situations

In these cases, fostering gives children stability while parents receive the support they need.

5. Parental Inability to Cope

Life can sometimes overwhelm parents due to:

• Lack of support
• Financial difficulties
• Housing issues
• Learning disabilities
• Relationship breakdown

When families reach crisis point, children may enter care temporarily until parents are able to cope again.

6. Family Breakdown or Conflict

In some cases, family conflict becomes severe enough that young people cannot safely remain at home.
This may involve:

• Persistent conflict between parent and child
• Breakdown of trust or communication
• Teenagers leaving home

Foster carers support these young people through stability, routine, and emotional guidance.

7. Parents in Hospital, Prison, or Unable to Care

Sometimes children are placed in care because parents are:

• In hospital long-term
• Serving a prison sentence
• Unable to care due to disability or illness

These placements may be temporary or long-term depending on the situation.

8. Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children

Children who arrive in the UK alone with no parent or guardian are cared for by local authorities. Many have experienced trauma, loss, or dangerous journeys. Foster carers play a crucial role in helping them feel safe, understood, and supported in a new country.

How Social Services Decide to Take a Child Into Care

A child is only removed from their home when:

1. Their safety or wellbeing is at significant risk
2. Other interventions (support plans, family help) were not successful
3. A court or local authority determines removal is the best option

Children may enter care voluntarily (with parental agreement) or through a legal order (Care Order, Interim Care Order, or Emergency Protection Order).

It is always a last resort.

Why Foster Carers Matter

Children entering care have often experienced trauma, confusion, and emotional upheaval. Foster carers provide:

• Stability and reassurance
• Structure and routine
• Emotional support and guidance
• A safe place to heal
• Understanding and patience

Your role is truly life-changing.

Thinking About Becoming a Foster Carer?

If you’re considering fostering, understanding why children come into care is the first step toward offering a child the stability and care they deserve.

At Family Works Fostering, we provide full training, guidance, and 24/7 support to help you make a difference. Call us today: 01702 65 57 38 or email us at admin@fw-fostering.co.uk  Let’s change a child’s life, together.

FAQs: Why Children Enter Care