The local authority has duties towards children in their area. Local authorities and children’s services are mainly concerned with looked after children1, children in need2 and those on the child protection register. Every child in custody is a looked after child.3
A child’s status (for example if a looked after child or a child in need) may affect the appropriate sentence, and may be relevant in other applications such as anti social behaviour injunction. If a local authority does not meet their responsibilities a person can complain or challenge them in court.