Telling people about care

 

What support should you get?

Every school is required by law to have a ‘Designated Teacher’ whose job it is to support you and help you sort out any problems you might have. Make sure you know who they are and speak to them about any problems or worries. You can also speak to other teachers at your school such as your form tutor – it’s their job to help you.

If you would rather that other people in your class don’t know that you’re in care, or you want to be the one to tell them, then make sure that you make this clear to your designated teacher.

 

Remember...

  • You are not alone. There are about 80,000 children and young people in care in the UK – there’s nothing strange or wrong about it and it’s a lot more common than people realise.
  • And… a lot of the time people make negative assumptions about things because they don’t understand them. You’ll probably find that talking about being in care makes it less of a big deal.
  • But… it’s completely up to you who you tell and when. Everybody’s different, and not everybody likes to broadcast their life story to the world! You should decide what’s best for you. 
  • But… also remember that your friends are your friends for a reason. They are not going to stop liking you because you’re in care - and if they do then they weren’t really your friends in the first place! Telling your problems to people that you trust can really help to make you feel better. 
  • And… remember that everyone is different – that’s what makes life interesting! When you speak to your friends you’ll probably find out that they’ve all got things that they’re worried about too.

 

 

"I only told my very best friends I was in care. Other people? None of their business"

Ian, 19

Read Ian's story

 

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