Events and news for looked after children

Information for looked after children

Coventry Social Care tries to ensure that as far as possible families stay together. However, sometimes this is not possible due to family problems or other reasons, this may mean you need to become 'looked after'.

Living away from home isn't easy. It can be especially hard living away from home if you have never done it before. So it's normal to feel anxious or worried or maybe a bit scared. Whenever a child may become looked after a care plan will be written and this will involve all the people who will be looking after you and you will also be able to have your own say.

If you have to go and live in a foster home or a children's home, it will take time getting used to it and whoever you live with needs to get used to having someone new living with them. So everyone has a part to play in making things work.

What you want makes a huge difference. We know that if you want your placement to work, then it's more likely to be successful for you if you talk to those who could help. This may be your carer, social worker or advocate. We can't always fix everything but if you are positive and talk about things regularly, with any of the above, this will help.

If you are a looked after child this doesn't mean that you love your own family or friends any less; Although living away from home can be hard, sometimes it is just as hard when the time comes for your to leave you carer(s). You may be moving to a new placement or moving back in with your own family. This is another change to cope with which can be difficult. Remember the end of a placement doesn't always mean the end of a relationship. Talk to your carers and your social worker about what will happen and about maybe keeping in touch with anyone who has looked after you.

If you would like to talk to someone about anything or you want some advice, below is a list of telephone numbers of all social care offices who will be able to help you. Please contact your nearest team.

Contact details:

Willenhall (for the South-East of the city)
Tel: 024 76 78 5572
Coundon (for the South-West of the city)
Tel: 024 76 78 5570
Wood End (for the North-East of the city)
Tel: 024 76 78 5568
Foleshill (for the North-West of the city)
Tel: 024 76 29 4446
Children's Disability Team
Tel: 024 76 78 6087

An out of hours service is available for emergencies after 5.00 pm Mon - Thurs and after 4.30 pm Fri and over the weekend by telephoning: 024 7683 2222

Coventry City Council