Introduction..

This is an information site for children and young people in care in England & Wales. It covers many topics from your rights in care to what happens when you leave care. It also explains how the law is different if you are 'accommodated', as opposed to being under a care order. The information is given in a question and answer format. The information is updated every 6 months. The site has now been updated to include the Human Rights Act.

Instructions

Click on any of the topics on the left hand side to take you to that section of the site. Clicking on a question will take you to the part of the page with the answer. To return to the top of the page click on the top icon which appears after each answer.

Information

This site has been created by NCH with Resolution, formerly The Solicitors Family Law Association, in consultation with many other parties listed on the credits page. This site is not interactive and cannot provide individual advice. The answers given to the questions on this site have to be general in nature, but we hope that they will point you in the right direction. If you want more detail, we suggest you speak to your solicitor, or any of the persons on the further contacts page.

If you experience abuse from your foster carers, the staff or other residents in a children's home, or a family member with whom you are living, you should speak immediately to an adult you trust, such as a teacher or your social worker. If you cannot do this for any reason, you could telephone one of the agencies set up to help children, like ChildLine, the NSPCC, or the Who Cares Trust. What you say to them will be totally confidential, and you do not need to give your name.

Do not keep this problem to yourself.

The telephone numbers are:

• ChildLine: 0800-1111
• NSPCC: 0808-800 5000
• Childline in Care: 0800-88 4444 (3.30 - 9.30pm, monday to friday; 2.00 - 8.00pm, weekends)
• Voice: 0808 800 5792