Introduction There are two main routes into the care system, which make children’s services responsible for making sure that you have somewhere to live when you are unable to live with your parents: Being accommodated under S.20 Children Act 1989 means that your parents have agreed to you being accommodated by children’s services, who can determine where you will live. …
Adoption
Introduction Adoption is a legal procedure which means you will become part of a new family, called an adoptive family. Usually, adoption happens because you can’t live with your birth family. There are lots of reasons why you might not be able to live with your birth family; it might be that they find it hard to look after you …
Adoption – Finding birth parents
Introduction If you have been adopted, there are ways to find details about your birth family. If you’re 18 or over, you have the legal right to information about your adoption and to access your birth records. If you’re under 18 and want to find out about your birth family, speak to your adoptive parents and ask them to share …
Advocacy
Introduction An advocate is someone who empowers children and young people to have their views, wishes and feelings heard in decisions being made about their lives. Advocacy puts children and young people’s views, wishes and feelings at the heart of the decision-making process. They are completely separate from Children’s Services and work for you. You should be informed of your …
Complaints to children’s services
What can I complain about? If you are not happy with the care or support you receive from children’s services, you have the right to make a complaint. A complaint might be about: A decision that has been made about you The actions or behaviour of your social worker Delays in assessing you or providing support The level of contact …
Contact with family members whilst I’m in care
Introduction If you are ‘looked after’ by children’s services, either under a care order or a Section 20 arrangement, you will usually be living away from your parents and siblings. Children’s services have a duty to make sure you have regular contact with your family, if it’s in your best interests. Can I see my family if I am in …
Contact between siblings in care
Introduction It is not always possible or safe for siblings in the care system to live together. Where siblings cannot be placed together, it’s important that siblings continue to have contact with one another. Children’s services are responsible for promoting contact between siblings as long as it’s safe to do so. How can I have contact with my sibling? You …
Education in care
Introduction If you are in care, the local authority has a duty to safeguard and promote your welfare, and this includes ensuring that your educational needs are met. Will I be able to attend the same school when I enter care? When you enter care, the local authority will have to decide where you will live, whether with a relative, …
Legal aid
What is legal aid? Legal aid is money from the government that will pay a solicitor or a legal representative to act on your behalf. In some cases, you may have to contribute to the cost of a solicitor, but only when you have the money to do so. Criminal legal aid If you are arrested and held in custody …
Homelessness aged 16 or 17
Introduction If you’re experiencing or facing homelessness, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and to understand your rights around accessing accommodation. There are two key pieces of legislation relating to 16 and 17-year olds who are experiencing or facing homelessness: Children Act 1989 Housing Act 1996 Accommodation under the Children Act 1989 If you are homeless or at …
Leaving care support
Introduction If you have spent any time in care after your 16th birthday, it is very likely that you will be entitled to support from children’s services as a care leaver up to age 25. This support is designed to make the transition to the responsibilities of adulthood as straightforward as possible, helping you live a successful and independent life. …
Looked after child review
What is a looked after child review? A looked-after child review is a meeting with all those concerned with your care and care plan. At this meeting, children’s services will look at how things are going, whether your care plan meets your needs and whether any changes need to be made. Reviews take place in order to ensure that your …
Special Guardianship
What is special guardianship? You could become the subject of a special guardianship order if you live with someone other than your birth parents, and the intention is for it to be a long-term arrangement. The person you live with would be called your special guardian, and they would acquire parental responsibility for you, which would be shared with those …
Staying put
What is a staying put arrangement? From the age of 18, young people are no longer legally considered ‘in care’ or ‘looked after’. Therefore, fostering arrangements for young people placed with foster carers no longer apply. When a young person remains with their former foster carer/s after their 18th birthday, the arrangement should be considered an ‘age eighteen and older …
Child in need
What is a child in need? If you are under 18 and your parents or carers need help in caring for you, children’s services can offer support. This support might be available if, for example, you have a disability or require extra help with your development or health needs. Under Section 17 Children Act 1989, a child will be considered …
Young carers
Who is a Young Carer? If you are under the age of 18 and you regularly provide emotional and/or practical care for a family member, you may be entitled to support from children’s services. For example, you can be given financial support or breaks from your caring responsibilities. Young carers are defined as: “Children and young people (under 18) who …