A guide to being looked after
Who can I ask?
WHO CAN I ASK?
The first person you should speak to is your carer or keyworker.
If your question is on a sexual matter and you feel that it’s not possible to speak to your carer or key worker, you can get help and advice from Healthy Sandwell’s Sexual Health team. They offer a range of sexual health services to help you stay in control of your body and keep you feeling well, both at clinics across the borough or direct to you at home.
www.healthysandwell.co.uk or call 0121 612 2323
You can also get help & advice through the family planning clinics at any time.
Is my information shared with anyone?
Unless you are in danger of hurting yourself or possibly hurting other people, your questions will be treated in a confidential manner.
Before sharing information with other people, the Looked After Children’s Nurse or other professionals will ask your permission. They will at all times treat you professionally and sensitively. They will not judge you and they will give you the information you need in an respectful manner.
Please do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask these people whatever questions you have.
They are there to help you. Remember, health education and sexual health education is a healthy and necessary part of growing up.
THINGS AREN’T RIGHT – WHAT CAN I DO?
Sometimes people and places can make you sad or angry
When you’re in care these feelings can sometimes be too much to handle on your own and it’s important to remember that you do have people to talk to and who will help you.
You can speak to:
Your Social Worker, Your Foster Carer, Your Key Worker or use the “get in touch” button on the top of this page
The Childrens Society Black Country Advocacy Service
What is an advocate?
An advocate is a person who can help you say if you don’t like something or if you don’t agree with a decision that affects your life.
Advocates are independent and confidential – they don’t work for the council or children’s services and they will not tell anyone what you say to them without your agreement (unless there is something that
might cause harm to you or someone else). Click the image to download the Advocacy Service booklet.
Useful Resources and Websites
Get in touch with us if you find another website that may be of interest to others and we can include it here
Useful Resources and Websites
Get in touch with us if you find another website that may be of interest to others and we can include it here
Know Your Rights
The Convention on the Rights of the Child explains who children are, all their rights, and the responsibilities of governments.
Coram Voice
Every day Coram offers direct, practical help and emotional support to vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
Sandwell Virtual School
The Sandwell Virtual School (LACE) has high aspirations for looked after children and ensure that children and young people are given every opportunity to access the best education, giving them the chance to achieve their potential.
Help at Hand
If you’re in care, leaving care, living away from home or working with children’s services Help at Hand can offer you free support, advice and information.
Become
For 30 years, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with children in care and young care leavers, helping them get the support they need.
Horizons
Horizons is Sandwell Children’s Trusts dedicated Child Exploitation Team who specialise in supporting children and young people abused through all forms of exploitation.
Youth Justice
The Youth Justice Team is a group of professionals from Children and Young People, Health, Police and Probation services working with young people who are at risk of offending or who offend.
DECCA
The DECCA (Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice) Team are Sandwell’s young people's alcohol, drug and tobacco service.
Childline
Childline is yours – a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. We’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.
Children's Commissioner
The Office of the Children's Commissioner for England is a non-departmental public body in England responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of children as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as other human rights legislation.
National Youth Agency
NYA is the national body for youth work, and the Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) for youth work in England.
British Youth Council
The British Youth Council empower young people aged 25 and under to influence and inform the decisions that affect their lives.