ked-after children. 7. Local authorities, CCGs and NHS England can only carry out their responsibilities to promote the health and welfare of looked-after children if they cooperate. They are required to do so under section 10 of the Children Act 2004.7 8. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 places a legal duty on CCGs to work with local authorities to promote the integration of health and social care services.8 The Government’s Mandate to NHS England includes an explicit expectation that the NHS, working together with schools and children’s social services, will support and safeguard looked-after children (and other vulnerable groups) through a more joined- up approach to addressing their emotional, mental and physical health needs. 9. Effective channels of communication between all local authority staff working with looked-after children, CCGs, NHS England and health service providers, as well as carers – along with clear lines of accountability – are needed to ensure that the health needs of looked-after children are met without delay. Looked-after children themselves (according to age and understanding) should also have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health needs. 10. Staff working with looked-after children who are delivering health services should make sure their systems and processes track and focus on meeting each child’s physical, emotional and mental health needs without making them feel different. They should in particular: • ensure looked-after children are able to access universal services as well as targeted and specialist services where necessary • receive supervision, training, guidance and support. 11. Local authorities, CCGs and NHS England need to reflect the high level of mental health needs amongst looked-after chil