You will be allowed and encouraged to keep contact with your parents or carers where it is safe for you to do so.
Your Social Worker will talk to you about how and when you will see your family. You may be able to spend time with your family through overnight stays, visits, letters or telephone calls. The law calls this contact.
Can anybody stop me seeing my family?
Yes, your Social Worker can stop you having contact with your parents. We will only do this to protect you from harm and to keep you safe. Your Social Worker will talk more about this to you.
Will I be able to see them again one day?
Yes, when you reach 16 it is your choice. If you would like to see your parents or family again then the Council cannot stop you doing this once you reach 16.
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You should never be made to have contact with someone if you do not want to. If you are frightened or unhappy about seeing your parents, or any other person, tell your social worker or another adult like your teacher or carer. Say why you feel this way. If you do not want to speak to your Social Worker, teacher or carer about this then you can contact the Children and Young People's Participation Team or somebody who does not work for the Council who will speak to you privately.
Nobody will be told what you say without your permission unless you or someone else is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. If you want changes to be made they will need to contact your Social Worker at some point and explain to them how you are feeling.
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Yes, we have to make sure that your parents know how you are doing, where you are living and how you are getting on at school. The only time we wouldn't give your family this information is if we thought it would put you at risk of being harmed.
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These are people who want to be a friend to looked after children and young people who do not have regular contact with their family. They are adults who will be there to support you. They will come and visit you, phone you for a chat, take you out and if you want they will attend your Review. If you think you would like to have support from somebody like this then speak to your Social Worker.
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