Your foster carer
Your foster carer looks after you each day. You can speak to them about routines, school, food, activities, worries and what would help you feel at home.
For children and young people
Your home, your voice, your rights
If you are living, or may soon live, with one of our foster families, this page is for you. Moving to a different home can bring many feelings. You might feel worried, angry, confused, relieved or unsure. There is no correct way to feel.
Based in ManchesterHere when you’re ready.
Your voiceAdults should listen to your wishes and feelings, and explain the decisions they make.
Your rightsYou should feel safe, be treated with respect and never face physical punishment.
Call 999If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
You have the right to ask questions, understand what is happening and tell adults what matters to you.
Start here
Find someone who can help
If you want to talk to someone, or to check what should be happening for you, these two sections are a good place to start.
What is foster care?
Foster care means living with a foster carer when you cannot live with your birth family. It might be for a few nights, several weeks or months, for longer, or as a short break from another home.
Your social worker should explain why the plan has been made and how long it may last. Sometimes adults will not know every answer straight away, but they should keep you informed.
Before you move
Where there is time, you should receive information about the foster family and have the chance to ask questions.
What your foster home should be like
No one is allowed to hit you or use physical punishment. House rules should be explained clearly and be reasonable, safe and suitable for your age and needs.
People who can support you
Several adults have a part to play in your care. You can speak to any of them.
Your social worker
Your social worker works for the local authority responsible for your care. They should visit, listen and help make sure the care plan is right for you.
Your foster carer's supervising social worker
This person works with Organic Fostering and supports the foster carer. You can also tell them about something that is working well or worrying you.
Your independent reviewing officer
Your independent reviewing officer, often called an IRO, oversees reviews of your care plan and helps make sure your views are considered.
An advocate
An advocate is independent. They can help you understand your rights, say what you think or make a complaint.
Your voice matters
Adults making decisions should listen to your wishes and feelings and consider them in a way that reflects your age and understanding.
Being listened to does not always mean that every decision will be exactly what you ask for. Adults should explain the decision and how your views were considered.
Your identity belongs with you
Your foster family and professional team should support the things that make you who you are. This may include your name, culture, heritage, faith, language, food, personal care, clothing, disability, gender, sexual orientation, family, community, traditions and celebrations.
Tell your carer or social worker if something important to your identity is being missed or misunderstood.
Family, friends and people who matter
Your care plan should explain arrangements for seeing or communicating with family and other important people. Sometimes limits are needed for safety or because of a court decision.
Speak to your social worker if you do not understand the plan, want it reviewed, feel worried, are being pressured to communicate secretly or want support before or after family time.
School, health and activities
Adults supporting you should help you attend and progress in education, access medical and emotional-health support, take part in interests, maintain safe friendships and prepare for independence.
Tell an adult if you need equipment, transport, learning support, healthcare or help joining an activity.
Your privacy
You deserve privacy and dignity. Adults also need to record and share some information to care for you and keep you safe. They should explain what is recorded, why it is needed, who may see it and when information cannot be kept confidential.
No adult should promise to keep a secret if they think you or someone else may be unsafe.
If you are unhappy
Speak to your foster carer, social worker, supervising social worker, IRO, teacher, health professional, advocate or another trusted adult. You will not be punished or treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern.
Emergency
If you feel unsafe
Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Other people you can contact
These services are there to listen to children and young people.
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111. Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/
Help at Hand
The Children's Commissioner's service provides advice to children in care, care leavers and other eligible young people. Telephone: 0800 528 0731. Email: help.team@childrenscommissioner.gov.uk. Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/help-at-hand/
Ofsted
Concerns telephone: 0300 123 4666. Email: CIE@ofsted.gov.uk
Organic Fostering
You can tell your foster carer, your foster carer's supervising social worker or your social worker if something is worrying you.
Information in a format that works for you
You can ask for information about your care in a format that suits your communication needs. Tell your social worker or your foster carer's supervising social worker what would help you.
Guides and downloads
Ask your foster carer, your social worker or your foster carer's supervising social worker for any of these guides.
Get in touch
Tell us what you think or ask for help
Speak to your social worker, your foster carer, your foster carer's supervising social worker or another trusted adult. Do not use a normal public form in an emergency. Call 999.