“I was scared about what would happen when I left care. I thought I’d be on my own but Young People’s Support Service helped me sort stuff out like training and finding somewhere to live. I feel happier knowing they’re looking out for me.”

Leanne, 17

I’m looked after - what are my rights?

If you are looked after you have the right to:

• Be treated fairly
• Be asked what you want
• Be listened to
• Have a say in decisions made about you
• Have things explained
• Receive good education and health care
• Not to be bullied
• Feel safe
• Be respected.

If you’re looked after you have a right to have a meeting with someone called an ICRO (Independent Conference Reviewing Officer) about how you’re getting on and how you feel. This can happen first every 28 days then every 3 months then every 6 months.

How can I complain about something?

If you live in a children’s home in Hull try speaking to a manager at the children’s home first. If you are in foster care speak to your social worker.

If you’re still not happy, Debbie (the Complaints Manager) can help you make your complaint and try and sort out your problem. Ring Debbie on (01482) 616143 or text your complaint to 07789817079 or send an email to: complaints@hullcc.gov.uk

If you are from Hull but now live outside the city you can do this too.

If you feel like no one is listening call the RAPP team on (01482) 225855 or the mobile 07971429383. The Rights and Participation Project (RAPP) is about making sure children are listened to and have a say in decisions that affect their lives.

How can I read my personal file?

If you decide that you want to look at your personal files, your personal adviser or social worker can arrange it for you, at a time and place to suit you.

Try not to worry about what you might read, hopefully there won’t be any surprises and what you read will help you.

There could be a lot of information, so it might be worth having a think about whether there is a particular time in your life that you want to read about.

It could help you understand what you read if you talk about what you read with you personal adviser or social worker or a counsellor.

I’m leaving care - what now?

If you’re looked after when you reach 15, your social worker will put you in touch with the Young People's Support Service. They will then help you to get the most out of your life and offer you financial support as well as help and advice to help you live your life.

When you leave care the Young People's Support Service will continue to support you if and when you need it.

The Young People’s Support Service will make sure you have a safe place to live, and that you have a regular income. You have a right to these things.

When you do leave care, you will not be on your own, the Young People's Support Service will be there to support you until you are 21. If you have not left care yet, but want to know more, give them a call on (01482) 331000.  They can explain all about the support you can receive from them. Young People's Support Service offices are based at Stonefield House, 16-20 King Edward Street (near the big screen in Hull).

ContactPoint

ContactPoint is like a computer-based phone book designed to make sure all young people get the services and support they need as quickly as possible. ContactPoint makes it easier for people who work together to help young people quickly find out who else is supporting the same person. You can find out more at the ContactPoint website (link opens in new window) or by reading these leaflets.