Dealing with problems

If there’s anything you’re not happy about while you’re in care it’s really important that you tell someone.

It might be about school or how often you see your family, or it could be about where you are living or the other people living there.  It could be that memories of things that happened before you became looked after are upsetting you. Whatever the problem, your carer should always listen to you if you need to talk, and there are other people you can talk to as well.

You will have the contact details of your Social Worker and an Independent Reviewing Officer in charge of your case. You may also have an Independent Visitor who you can talk to.

Your social worker should make sure you know who to contact for advice, support and assistance between his or her visits.

'I’ve been in care for two and a half years. All in all my experience has been quite positive. It’s given me the security and safety I didn’t have at home. It’s also made me realize that the only way to achieve my goals is to work for them, you can’t just sit there and hope someone hands it to you on a plate. But it’s important to realize that you have rights in care. If something makes you unhappy, try talking to someone, and if that doesn’t work, make a complaint. I feel that if you don’t complain, how can you expect things to get better? My advice is to enjoy care and make the most of it, remember what your rights are and try to do your best at everything.’ Georgina, 15