Frequently asked questions

What do I call my foster carers?

The best thing to do is to ask them what they would like to be called!

Often you will call them by their first name. You do not need to call them Mum or Dad, but if you would prefer to then ask them.

Can I take some things from home with me?

You will probably not be able to take all your things from home with you. However, you can take some of your clothes and toys.

Always remember to look after your belongings so that they don't get lost or damaged.

If you have to move, make sure that you don't leave anything behind.

Can I help myself to food and drink?

Your foster carer will get an allowance to help feed you, so you will not go hungry!

Depending on your age, your foster carers may ask you to let them know if you want something to eat or drink, but generally speaking you will be able to help yourself.

Will my foster carers match my ethnicity and religion and/or speak my language?

As far as possible, we will try to place you with a family similar to your own in terms of ethnicity, religion or spoken languages. However, this is not always possible as we don't always have a match available.

If we can't place you with a family similar to your own, we ask your carers to be sympathetic to your needs and let you:

• meet people or do activities from your own culture
• follow your faith
• eat particular foods or celebrate festivals.

Talk to your foster carers and tell them what things you did before, what you enjoyed and how you would like to continue.

What if I am vegetarian / eat halal meat / have a food allergy?

Make your social worker is aware of this as soon as possible and they will make sure that your foster carers know.

Let your social worker know if you are happy to talk to your foster carers about it - this way they can ask you questions about your likes and dislikes if they need to.

Will I get pocket money?

Your foster carer will get an allowance to help with the costs of looking after you. This will include money to give to you as pocket money and also money to buy new clothes when you need them.

The foster carer will either take you shopping for new clothes, or, if you are old enough, they may give you this allowance so that you can go shopping yourself.

After you have been in care for one year you will also be given a Junior ISA which is a long-term, tax free savings account.

What about my hobbies and friends?

As far as possible, you should be able to continue with your hobbies and see your friends.

In some circumstances this might not be possible, but if this is the case, the reasons will be explained to you.

Will I go on holiday with my foster carer and their family?

If you are only with a foster carer short term, or if they have already booked a holiday, it may not be possible for you to accompany them.

If you are unable to go with them, you will be cared for by an alternative foster carer until your own foster carers return. However, where appropriate - and if you want to go - foster carers will often make arrangements to take you with them.

What will my birth family be told about what I am doing?

During review meetings, or when your social worker meets with your family, they will be given an overview of how you are doing. They will be told if you are OK and get feedback about both positive and negative things that have happened.

Your birth family will not be given a day-by-day account of what you did, who you saw, what you ate or anything like that.

If there is something that you would particularly like your family to hear about, mention it to your social worker.

If there is something you would rather your family didn't hear about, tell your social worker too. They may have to pass on some details, but your wishes will be taken into account where possible.

Will I still go to the same school?

We will try not to change your school arrangements. However, there may be times when it is not possible and the reasons for this will be explained to you.

If you need transport or help getting to school, then this will be arranged for you. We will make sure the arrangements are appropriate for your age and situation.

Who gets copies of my school reports?

Your parents will still get copies of your school reports, but so will your foster carers and your social worker too.

What about my future plans?

If you already have plans about your future then these need not change.

If you want to follow a particular career path, do a college course, or go to university this can all still happen.

Tell your social worker about your interests and aspirations - they can help you realise your dreams and get you the support you need.

Like everyone else you will need to work hard, but lots of children in care go to university and go on to do great things.

Can I stay at my friend's house overnight?

There is no problem arranging a sleep over at your mate's house - just don't forget to let your foster carer know in plenty of time. Make sure they have your friend's parents' telephone number and take their number with you in case you need to contact them.

What if the local authority thinks I can go home?

Where possible - and if it is in your best interests - you will be returned to your home and your family.

This is a process that you will be involved in. However, if you are unhappy about going home or nervous about anything, speak to your social worker, Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) or request an Advocate.

What if I need to speak to my social worker but they are unavailable?

If your social worker is unavailable (for example, if they are on holiday, at an appointment or unwell) and you need to contact them, you will be given an alternative name or telephone number.

The social care team always has a duty worker there to answer queries or respond to problems, or you can also speak to the team manager.

Emergency duty team

When the office is closed there is an emergency duty team that you can contact if you need to speak to someone so urgently that it cannot wait until the morning of the next working day.

The emergency duty team is made up of trained social workers who work at night and during the weekend to make sure someone is around to help those in need.

What if I am not happy about something?

First of all, if you can, speak to your social worker. Or, if a LAC review is coming up, then tell your Independent Reviewing Officer.

If you feel you can't speak to either your social worker or Independent Reviewing Officer then you can ask for an Advocate.

You can discuss what you are feeling with your Advocate and the two of you can decide what to do next.

You and your Advocate may agree it is best to speak to your social worker or Independent Reviewing Officer together. Your Advocate can meet your social worker or IRO on your behalf to discuss your concerns or to make a formal complaint, which they can help you to write.

Usually small disagreements and misunderstandings can be overcome, but sometimes it may be necessary to move you to another placement with another foster carer.