What we do…
If you are allocated a Social Worker in our Children Looked After Team, it either means a judge has made a decision that it is safer for you to remain in care and no longer live with your parents, or your parents are unable to look after you and have asked us to look after you on their behalf.
While you remain in care we will strive to give you a sense of certainty and belonging, meaning we will do our best to find a family for you to be looked after in throughout your childhood and when you’re a teenager. For some children this means Adoption, (having a new forever family), but for the majority of children it will mean having a long term foster family.
We work alongside all of the adults in your life to support you as you grow but most importantly we work with you. We want you to always be the centre of everything that we do for you. As you grow we will be support you to successfully move to our Leaving Care Team who will continue to prepare you for independent living.
What will my social worker do for me?
Social workers are responsible for helping families and groups of people to cope with problems they’re facing to improve their situation. Everyone’s needs are different and there are different types of social workers. You will have an allocated children’s social worker who is responsible for giving you the support you need while in care.
As social workers in the Children Looked After team, we enjoy building relationships with our children and young people. We also enjoy visiting you, doing fun activities and celebrating your achievements. We attend your meetings and support you to confidently express your views and wishes. In addition, we work with you to help you understand your life journey and most importantly, ensure your safety.
During our visits we will see you alone, as well as speak to your carers. Although having a Social Worker may feel strange at first, if you can give us a chance, get to know us and build a trusting relationship with us, we can really support and advise you during your time in care. A good relationship also helps us to make the best decisions for you.
Your Social Worker will visit you at least every four weeks; you are also free to ask to see your Social Worker more often if you need to. You are also free to phone your Social Worker, if you need to talk about something that is worrying you. Your Social Worker’s main aim is to make sure you are safe and well.
Your Social Worker will:
Be very easy to get in touch with. You will be given their work number and mobile number and they will keep an up to date record of yours.
Be a good listener. Good listening means hearing you out, listening to things from your perspective and exploring your thoughts
Be: Friendly, Trustworthy, Organised, Respectful, Punctual, Caring, Committed, Non-judgmental, Reliable, Honest, Loving, Sympathetic
Respect your: Personality and individuality, Age, Personal space, Religion, Race, Culture, Ability, Family members
Spend time getting to know you and acknowledge that you are the expert of your life experience(s).
Give you their full attention when they meet with you.
Provide you with a summary of what was discussed before they leave after you meet and if you request you should receive a copy of their notes on what was discussed.
Contact you as soon as possible if they are running late or are unable to meet with you.
Make contact with you in between meetings to see how you are doing.
Contribute to making decisions for you as a parent would
