Children and young people who are looked after are among the most socially excluded of all young people. They are reported to have greater health needs than their peers, yet are less likely to receive adequate health care and treatment, or be supported in developing their knowledge and skills in making decisions that promote health and well-being.

The National Healthy Care Standard is a national programme to promote the health and well-being of looked after children and young people. Healthy Care is a guidance document for the Standard. It summarises key national and international research and existing best practice; builds an evidence base for promoting the health and well-being of looked after children and young people; sets out current standards and guidance in England; provides health promotion models for the development of future practice.