Being in care
If you’re not able to live with your family, Social Services (or Services for Children and Young People) may be acting as your family. They’ll look at what’s best for you and will arrange the support you need.
During this time, you may live in a residential care home or with a foster family (which could be another relative). When this happens you are said to be “in care” or being “looked after.” This may be permanent or for a short time to help your family through a difficult period.
Living with people who’re not your family can be very strange at first, and you may worry about what you can and can’t do in someone else’s home. If you’re unhappy - or things you don’t like happen to you - or you don’t feel safe and protected in your new home - it’s really important to talk to someone straight away. Your first step will probably be to talk to your social worker or foster carer. The services listed below are also there to help you. They’re run by people who know what being in care is like - they're there to help you get all the facts and support you need.
Helplines / Websites
ChildLine have a special telephone helpline for children living away from home. You can talk to ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. Phone 0800 1111 (any time of day or night) or visit their website. Calls are free from a landline (and currently from all the existing networks, including 3, BT Mobile, Fresh, O2, Orange, T Mobile, Virgin, and Vodafone). Calls don’t show up on any of these bills. (Please note there is a ‘Cover your tracks’ facility if you don’t want your visits to this website to show on your computer’s history.)
Who Cares? Trust have a website specially for young people in care. You can find information on lots of different topics.
Voice is an organisation working and campaigning for young people in care. Voice can speak to other people on your behalf to help you get things you’re entitled to. Visit their website, phone 0808 800 5792 Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 6.00 pm (calls are free) or email help@voiceyp.org
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) offer information, advice and support to children and young people in care (and up to the age of 25). If you want them to, NYAS can provide you with an ‘advocate’ who will speak to other people on your behalf about matters that affect you. Visit their website or phone 0800 61 61 01 (text phone 0777 333 4555) Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm or Saturday 10am - 4pm for more information.
