Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should:

  • Understand what being in care means.

  • Know some of the reasons young people come into care.

  • Know that coming into care is not your fault.

  • Understand some of the things that might happen when you first come into care.

  • Know that it's okay to have questions and talk about how you feel.

  • Know that there are adults whose job it is to help you.

Welcome

If you have just come into care, there might be a lot happening in your life.

You may be living somewhere new, meeting new people or hearing words you've never heard before.

You might have lots of questions.

What's happening? Where will I live? When will I see my family? How long will I be here? Who can I talk to?

This lesson will help you understand some of the things that happen when a young person comes into care.

You don't need to understand everything straight away.

Quick Knowledge Check

Let's start by looking at a few common ideas about being in care.

Decide if you think each one is a Myth or Fact, then click to reveal the answer.

Myth or Fact?

  • ❌ MYTH

    Coming into care is never a punishment. Young people come into care for many different reasons. The most important thing is making sure they are safe and cared for.

  • ✅ FACT

    You have the right to understand what is happening in your life. If something doesn't make sense, you can ask someone to explain it.

  • ❌ MYTH

    Everyone is different. You might feel worried, angry, sad, relieved, confused, safe or something completely different.

    There is no right or wrong way to feel.

  • ✅ FACT

    There will be people around you whose job is to help keep you safe, listen to you and make sure you have the support you need.

What Does Being in Care Mean?

You might hear people say that you are "in care" or "looked after".

These words mean that the council has a responsibility to make sure you have somewhere safe to live and that you are cared for and supported.

Every young person's situation is different.

Some young people are in care for a short time. Others may be in care for much longer.

You should be told what is happening and have the chance to ask questions about your own situation.

Why Do Young People Come Into Care?

There are lots of reasons why a young person might come into care.

Sometimes things at home have become difficult and a family needs extra help.

A young person might come into care because:

  • It isn't safe for them to live at home at the moment.

  • Their parent or carer is unable to look after them.

  • There isn't another person who can safely care for them.

  • Their family is going through a difficult time and needs more support.

Your own reasons may be different.

If you don't understand why you are in care, you can ask your Social Worker to explain it to you.

Remember

Coming into care is not your fault.

It doesn't mean you're a bad person.

It doesn't mean you've failed.

And it doesn't mean you've done something wrong.

Adults have a responsibility to make sure children and young people are safe and properly cared for.

How Might Coming Into Care Feel?

Coming into care is a big change.

There isn't one way you are supposed to feel about it.

You might feel:

Worried • Angry • Confused • Sad • Relieved • Nervous • Safe • Hopeful

You might feel several of these things at the same time.

Your feelings might also change.

You could feel okay one day and find things difficult the next.

That's okay.

Talking to someone you trust can help if you're worried, confused or just need someone to listen.

What Might Happen When I Come Into Care?

When you first come into care, there may be lots of things to sort out.

Adults will start making plans with you to make sure you have what you need.

They should talk to you about things like:

  • Where you will live

  • School or college

  • Your health

  • Seeing your family and other important people

  • Clothes and things you need

  • Your hobbies and activities

  • Things that are important to you

  • How you are feeling

You don't need to remember everything you're told.

It's okay to ask someone to explain something again.

Questions You Might Have

It's normal to have questions when you come into care.

  • Adults should explain where you will be staying and who you will be living with.

  • Sometimes adults may not know straight away.

    If they don't know yet, they should tell you what they do know and keep you updated.

  • Where possible, adults will think carefully about your education and what is best for you.

    You should be told about any changes.

  • Seeing your family and other important people should be discussed with you.

    Every young person's situation is different, so the arrangements will depend on what is safe and right for you.

  • Your friendships and the people who matter to you are important.

    Talk to the adults supporting you about how you can stay in touch with the people who are important in your life.

Who Can I Talk To?

You don't have to work everything out by yourself.

There will be adults whose job is to help you.

One of the main people you will meet is your Social Worker.

Your Social Worker should:

  • Get to know you.

  • Listen to what you think and how you feel.

  • Help you understand what is happening.

  • Answer your questions.

  • Help make plans for your care.

  • Make sure you have the support you need.

There may be other people supporting you too.

We'll learn more about who these people are and what they do later in the course.

Knowledge Check

Have a go before moving on!

See how much you can remember from this lesson. Think about your answer before clicking to reveal it.

Myth or Fact

  • ❌ MYTH

    Coming into care is never a punishment.

  • ✅ FACT

    Sometimes decisions still need to be made. Adults should tell you what they know and keep you updated when things change

  • ✅ FACT

    It's your life. You should be helped to understand what is happening and why.

  • ❌ MYTH

    Every young person's situation, family and experience is different.

Key Takeaways

  • Being in care means the council has a responsibility to make sure you are safe, cared for and supported.

  • Coming into care is not your fault. You haven't done anything wrong.

  • There is no right or wrong way to feel. Coming into care can bring lots of different feelings.

  • You should be told what is happening. Sometimes adults won't have all the answers straight away, but they should keep you updated.

  • You can ask questions. If you don't understand something, you can ask someone to explain it again.

  • Your relationships matter. Family, friends, school, hobbies and the things that are important to you should be considered.

  • You are not expected to deal with everything alone. There are adults whose job is to listen to you and support you.

Remember

You don't need to understand everything at once.

It's okay to ask questions, talk about how you feel and ask for help when you need it.