The pandemic made vulnerable children harder to identify and support: school closures reduced contact with professionals, safeguarding referrals fell, and only a small proportion of vulnerable children attended school settings. The Welsh Government said it was expanding the definition of vulnerability, allowing local authorities to offer places to more children, and maintaining contact according to each child’s assessed needs.

For children in foster care, the Government supported guidance for carers and extended helplines, while some local authorities paid retainers or provided extra financial and practical help. Foster carers needing additional support were advised to approach their local authority or fostering agency.