Have your say – advice for young people in care

Tell us if you're unhappy or think that we could be doing better.

We'll listen to you and tell you what you can do. You won’t get into trouble for making a complaint or comment about someone.

Tell someone who works closely with you, if you can. This might be your:

• social worker, professional assistant, personal advisor or their team manager
• foster carer or family placement link worker
• teacher or someone at school
• Head of Care or residential care worker
• personal advisor from Services for Young People.
  
  

If you feel you can't talk to someone who works with you, contact us:

Fill out our complaints form and read about the Children's Services complaints process.

We want your feedback to help shape our services for care leavers. Includes the Children in Care Council (CHICC) run by and for young people.

Including young commissioners, youth councils and LGBT+ groups. Have your say on local services for young people.

Make your voices heard

We ask for the views of all our care leavers via a survey every 2 years called "Your life beyond care". 

We also know that sometimes it is difficult to express views and wishes. If you feel you would like someone independent to represent your views, we can support you to make a referral or we can make a referral on your behalf.

Visit the National Youth Advocacy Service website

POhWER homepage

The other way to have your voice heard is to become part of our Children in Care Council (CHICC).

The purpose of the CHICC is to listen to the views of young people and help to make. It's also about meeting other young people in care and having fun, with lots of activities and events taking place all year round.

The groups come together monthly to share their views and experiences with their journey in care and beyond. The aim is to help us shape our service so we continue to meet young people's needs and be the best corporate parents we can. Our groups take a ‘you said we did’ approach, sharing what's happened because of the group's feedback.

Voting and democratic participation

As a care leaver, your views matter. Voting gives you the opportunity to have a say on the issues, policies and decisions that affect your life, your community and your future. Once you are eligible to vote, we can help you:

• understand your voting rights
• register to vote
• access information about elections and local decision-making – take a look at the Electoral Commission website
• engage with issues that matter to you in your community.