Looked After Children

Useful links

Introduction

Why have I come into care?

How long will I be in care?

Why do I have a Social Worker?

Who will look after me and where will I live?

What are the differences between my real parents and my foster parents?

Introduction

It can be quite an upsetting and confusing time when you have to live away from home in strange surroundings, with new people and new rules. For what ever reason you are placed in care the East Riding of Yorkshire Council will try it's up most to help make your stay a comfortable and safe environment for you to live in.

The length of time you will be looked after in care will depend on a lot of things, it maybe a few weeks or it nay be much longer. The people looking after you and caring for you will help you and talk to you about what is happening.

When you are in care we will consider how best to help you in the following areas of your life

Health

It is important that the people caring for you make sure you are healthy.

Education

Not only is it important to you when you are older, it is important now. School is not just for learning but it is where you meet friends and learn how to do new things, e.g. hobbies.

Identity

The area is all about you, who you are and how you think about yourself.

Family and Social Relationships

This section looks at your family and how best to keep in touch with them.

Social presentation

It is important to think how you look and sound and behave, also to see how other people see you.

Emotional and Behavioural Development

How you are thinking and feeling, if you are happy or sad.

Self Care Skills

Looks at how you are able to look after yourself, something you begin to learn very young.

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Why have I come into care?

The reason why you have come into care will be unique to you. However, there are two different ways in which you can go into care. Firstly, your parents may have asked for you to be looked after, this is usually called 'being accommodated'.

The second way is if someone has reason to believe that you are in danger of being harmed, a court may have made a care order making Children's Social Care (social services) responsible for looking after you along with your parents.

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How long will I be in care?

Again, this will depend on your circumstances and the reasons why you have come into care. This will be discussed in your review meetings and if you have any problems ask you Social Worker. Each child is issued with a Social Worker (refer to 'Why I have a Social Worker?' below).

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Why do I have a social worker?

Your Social Worker's job is to make sure Children's Social Care (social services) are looking after you in the best possible way, and to make plans with you and your family about how you will be cared for in the future.

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Who will look after me and where will I live?

There are several places where you might live. If you live in a children's home (click on Residential Accommodation) you will have a few people looking after you called residential social workers. If you are fostered you will be living with your foster carer in their home.

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What are the differences between my real parents and my foster parents?

Your foster parents will look after you on a day to day basis, however your parents will be consulted about decisions that are important to you

There are many more questions which you will want to ask, and feel free to do so. A pack will be provided to you when you go into care which will address some of the standard questions.

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