There are lots of different ways for you to let us know what you think. You can:
- have your say on this website
- text or ring us
- fill in the questionnaires we will send you from time to time
- come to the events that we run for 'looked after' children
- come to one of our consultation groups.
What's a consultation?
You might hear the word ‘consultation’ used a lot, but what does it actually mean?
A consultation is finding out about what people think about things and asking them for their views, feelings and experiences.
We think consultation with 'looked after' children and young people is really important. After all, you are the expert on your life – you know what you think and feel, so who would be better than you to tell us about how things could be better?
The Corporate Parenting Team runs consultation groups with 'looked after' children and young people throughout the year, usually with Visions of Success (VOS).
Finding it hard to speak up?
If you are not happy about something and find it hard to speak to your social worker, you should try speaking to another adult that can help you.
This could be another adult you trust, like your foster carer, key worker, personal adviser, teacher, or social care team manager. If this does not help, you can ask for an advocate.
How to make a complaint
There will be times in your life when things can go very well, and there may be other times when things can go wrong. If you are not happy about something to do with your care then it is your right to make a complaint.
Some of the things that can make you unhappy could be that:
- you feel you haven’t been treated fairly
- you're unhappy with your care plan
- you're not happy where you are living
- decisions being made are taking too long, which is making you worry, and no-one is telling you what is happening
- you’re not allowed to do the same things as your friends
- you’re not happy that everyone knows your business.
It is your right to be treated fairly, and unless you tell someone that you are unhappy, things may not change. A complaint can help to make things better for you, and maybe even other young people like you.
A complaint is not about getting you or other people into trouble - it’s about making sure that you are being listened to. If you want to make a complaint, there are three steps (also known as stages).