The pandemic made it harder to identify and support vulnerable children: many were not attending school or being seen by social services, and safeguarding referrals had fallen. The Welsh Government said it would expand the definition of vulnerable children to give local authorities flexibility to support those on the edge of care, while prioritising the most vulnerable for contact and services.

For children in foster care, concerns included maintaining support and contact during lockdown and helping foster carers meet extra costs. Some local authorities had paid retainers or provided additional financial and practical support; carers needing help were advised to contact their local authority or fostering agency.