England’s Child Protective Services Based on Semi-Independent Living Arrangements

Abstract

England provides various out-of-home protection services to children and adolescents in need of protection. Particularly distinct among these services is the Semi-Independent Living Arrangement (SILA), administered systematically for adolescents aged 16 and older, a group at a critical stage in preparing for independent living. About 8 percent of children in the out-of-home care system are supported through SILA. In this article I examine SILA in detail—considering the legal framework, operational structure, case management, assessment of varying support needs, and local government practices—and discuss how such a scheme, not yet implemented in Korea, could enhance Korea’s out-of-home childcare system.