Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Know about the different types of homes you might live in while in care.

  • Understand who might care for you.

  • Know what you should expect from your home.

  • Understand that the people and things that matter to you are important.

  • Know what to do if you're unhappy or don't feel safe.

Your Home While in Care

When you're in care, you need somewhere where you can feel safe, be cared for and get the support you need.

Every young person is different, so not everyone in care lives in the same type of home.

You might live with a foster family, in a children's home or with someone you already know.

Adults might call the place where you live your placement.

Placement is just the word professionals sometimes use for where you live while you're in care.

Foster Care

Foster care means living with a foster carer or foster family.

Foster carers are adults who have been trained and approved to look after children and young people.

They should provide you with a safe home and support you with everyday things like school, health, hobbies and the things that are important to you.

Some young people live with foster carers for a short time. Others live with them for much longer.

Children's Home

A children's home is a home where you may live with other young people.

A team of adults will be there to care for and support you during the day and night.

You might also hear this called residential care.

Living With Someone You Know

Sometimes you might live with a family member or someone you already know, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend.

You might hear this called kinship care or family and friends care.

Did you Know?

Your belongings matter too.

Your clothes, photographs, books, games and other personal things belong to you.

Having familiar things around you can help somewhere new begin to feel more like your home.

If there is something important that you want to bring with you, talk to your Social Worker or the adults caring for you.

What Should I Expect?

Wherever you live, you should be:

  • Safe

  • Cared for

  • Listened to

  • Treated with respect

The adults caring for you should make sure you have the things you need and support you with your health, education and interests.

Your privacy and belongings should also be respected.Remember, supporting someone doesn't mean solving the problem on your own.

Staying Connected

Coming into care doesn't mean the people and things that matter to you stop being important.

Your family, friends, school, hobbies, culture and community should be considered when plans are made about your care.

Sometimes things may need to change. If they do, adults should explain what is happening and listen to how you feel about it.

What If I'm Unhappy?

If you're unhappy or worried about where you live, tell someone.

You could speak to your:

  • Social Worker.

  • Foster carer or children's home worker.

  • Teacher or Youth Worker.

  • Another adult you trust.

If something makes you feel unsafe or frightened, tell an adult you trust as soon as you can.

If the first person doesn't listen, tell someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • Young people in care can live in different types of homes.

  • Wherever you live, you should feel safe, cared for and respected.

  • The people and things that are important to you still matter.

  • You should be involved and listened to when plans change.

  • If you're unhappy or don't feel safe, tell someone you trust.