Learning Objectives

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

  • Know some of your rights while you're in care.

  • Understand that your views and feelings should be listened to.

  • Know what an advocate is.

  • Know what to do if you're unhappy about something.

Your Rights in Care

Being in care doesn't take away your rights.

You have the right to:

  • Be listened to and have your views taken seriously.

  • Feel safe where you live.

  • Get an education and support with learning.

  • Get help with your health and wellbeing.

  • Stay connected with people who are important to you, when it is safe.

  • Understand decisions being made about your life.

  • Get help to speak up if you need it.

  • Make a complaint if you're unhappy with the way you've been treated.

Your Voice Matters

Adults sometimes have to make decisions to help keep you safe, but you should still be involved.

You should be able to talk about:

What you want • How you feel • What you're worried about • What is important to you

Adults should listen to your views and take them seriously.

This doesn't always mean that the decision will be the one you wanted.

If adults make a different decision, they should help you understand why.

Getting Involved in Wirral

Wirral has a Participation and Engagement Team that helps children and young people in care have their voices heard.

Getting involved can give you the chance to:

  • Meet other young people with similar experiences.

  • Take part in activities.

  • Share your ideas about Children's Services.

  • Help make services better.

  • Help interview and choose new Social Workers and other professionals.

  • Take part in projects and training.

  • Celebrate your achievements.

Young people can also receive vouchers for some of the contributions they make.

Youth Voice Group and Care Leavers Council

Wirral has a Children in Care (CIC) Youth Voice Group and a Care Leavers Council.

The groups meet at least once a month and are made up of young people with different experiences of care.

They give young people a chance to meet others, share their ideas and help change the way services work.

Young people can even help with the recruitment, training and selection of professionals working with children and young people.

What Is an Advocate?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell adults what you think or feel.

An advocate is an independent person who can help make sure your voice is heard.

They can:

  • Listen to you.

  • Help you understand your rights.

  • Help you say what you want.

  • Support you at meetings.

  • Help if you are unhappy about something.

An advocate is there to support you.

If you would like an advocate, you can ask your Social Worker or PA to help you get one.

Giving Feedback

Your experiences can help Wirral understand what is working well and what needs to change. You can tell Children's Services about good experiences as well as things you think could be better. There are different feedback forms depending on your age: Feedback form for children under 13 Feedback form for young people aged 13+ You can ask an adult you trust to help you complete a form if you need to.

What If Something Isn't Right?

If you're unhappy about something, you can start by talking to your Social Worker or another adult you trust. If you don't feel listened to, you can: Ask for an advocate • Give feedback • Make a complaint • Talk to another trusted adult Making a complaint doesn't mean you're being difficult. You have the right to speak up when something isn't right. Find out about making a complaint

Key TakeawaysYou have rights while you're in care.

  • Your views and feelings should be listened to and taken seriously.

  • An advocate can help you speak up.

  • You can give feedback or complain if something isn't right.

  • You can join Wirral's Youth Voice Group or Care Leavers Council and help improve services.

  • Your experience and ideas can make a difference.