ÖйúPÕ¾

Page contents

• What does being in care mean?
• Where will I live and who will look after me?
• Who can help me?
• Planning for the future
• The Transitions Service

What does being in care mean?

Sometimes the people who usually look after you can’t do that anymore. When this happens, ÖйúPÕ¾ steps in to keep you safe. This is called being “in care.”

We’ll first check if someone in your family—like a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or close friend—can look after you. If not, we’ll find a safe place for you to live.

You might hear the words “looked after child.” That just means ÖйúPÕ¾ is helping to care for you.

Your social worker is here to support you. They’ll talk to you about what’s happening and help you understand. You might also meet other people like teachers, nurses, or family members. You’ll always be asked what you think.

It’s okay to feel confused or worried. But remember, there’s always someone to talk to about how you feel. We’re here to listen.

Where will I live and who will look after me?

We’ll try to keep you close to your family and school. There are different places you might live:

• Family and friends - You might live with someone you already know, like an auntie or grandparent.
• Foster carers - These are caring people who are hired by the council to look after children and young people in their home. They’ll help you feel safe and part of their family.
• Sleepovers - You might stay with other foster carers for a short time.
• Residential home - A house where a few children live together, with adults who look after you day and night. You’ll have a key worker who’s there just for you.
• Residential school - Also called a boarding school. You live at school and may go home for holidays or weekends.
• Supported accommodation - For young people aged 16 and over. You live more independently with support nearby.
• Supported lodgings - Also for 16+, like foster care but with more focus on helping you learn independence skills.

No matter where you live, we’ll make sure it’s safe and that you’re cared for.

Who can help me?

• Social worker - Your social worker is here to help you understand what’s happening now and what might happen next. They’ll visit you regularly and help you stay in touch with people who are important to you. You can ask them questions and talk about how you’re feeling. If you haven’t already, ask your social worker for their Pen Picture—it tells you more about them.
• Carer - This could be a foster carer, residential worker or support worker. They help with everyday things like school, seeing friends and staying healthy.
• Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Runs your review meetings and makes sure your care plan is working for you.
• Designated teacher - Helps you enjoy school and do well. You’ll find their name in your Personal Education Plan (PEP).
• Named nurse - Helps you stay healthy and see doctors, dentists and opticians.
• Independent Visitor (IV) - A friendly adult who volunteers to spend time with you. You can do fun things together. They’re not part of your care team, but they’re there just for you.

If you’d like an IV, ask your social worker, IRO or email: independentvisitors@surreycc.gov.uk

Find out more about independent visitors

Planning for the future

When you turn 16, you’ll get a personal adviser (PA). They’ll help you get ready to be an adult.

You’ll learn about things like money, housing, health and education. These plans go into your Pathway Plan.

When you turn 18, you’ll be a care leaver. Your PA will keep helping you until you’re 21—or 25 if you need extra support.

You can find more info in the ÖйúPÕ¾ local offer for care leavers.

If you want to know what support is available, see What does the care leavers service do?

The Transitions Service

If you have a disability and need support as an adult, you’ll get a new social worker from the Transitions Team when you turn 18.

Planning starts when you’re 14. Your children’s social worker will talk to the Transitions Team to make sure you get the help you need.

Your transitions worker will work with you and people who know you to make a plan for your adult life. They’ll support you until you’re 25.