Accommodated

This is a type of agreement between Children, Schools and Families (a service run by Herts CC) and your parents.  It is sometimes also referred to as “Section 20”, as this is the part of The Children Act 2004, which describes how this happens. The agreement is about where you will live and who will care for you day to day.  It is also about how you are cared for. This agreement is made when for some reason your parents are unable to look after you themselves and ask Children, Schools and Families to care for you instead.

You may be cared for in a Children’s Home, in lodgings or in a foster family. Your parents still have all the legal responsibility for you and if things change and your parent’s feel that they could look after you again, you may be able to go home again.

If you are younger than 16 this agreement is made between your parents and Children, Schools and Families.  If you are 16 to 18 you can ask to be accommodated by Children, Schools and Families yourself.   However you are likely to be referred to an organisation, which specifically offers support and shelter to homeless young people, unless there are very clear reasons for Children, Schools and Families to get involved.