If you’re “accommodated” (sometimes known as being on “section 20”), it means your parents have agreed for you to be in care.
What does it mean to be accommodated?
This means your parents still have “parental responsibility” and if you are under 16 they have the right to ask for you to return home. However, it’s not quite as simple as that.
If you are under 16 and in care, even if you are accommodated, the law requires your social worker to make sure it’s safe for you to return home. They have to check how well your parents can look after you (sometimes called doing an assessment). This will happen even if your Mum or Dad asks for you to come home.
Who decides if I will no longer be accommodated?
If you are 16 or 17 the decision about you no longer being accommodated must be made by the Director of Children’s Services. They will make sure you are happy with this plan.