Q.I don't like the rules - What can I do?

Q. Can my carers punish me?

Q. What kinds of punishment are allowed in care?

Q. What does 'grounding' mean?

Q. What punishments are not allowed in care?

Q. I do not agree with the punishments, what can I do?

Q. If I am still not satisfied can I complain?

Q. I don't like the rules - What can I do?

A. Whether you live with a foster family or in a children's home, there will be rules about good behaviour. Different families always have different rules. If you feel a particular rule is unfair, you should discuss it with your carers. If you are still unhappy, you can raise it at your review or think about making a complaint (see Reviews, Complaints)

Q. Can my carers punish me?

A. Yes. You can be punished for behaving badly or breaking the rules but only certain kinds of punishment are allowed when you are under a Care Order or accommodated. (see answer to next question)

Q. What kinds of punishment are allowed in care?

A.

• You can be told off;
• Treats can be stopped e.g. sweets, watching television or going on an outing;
• You may be given additional chores in the home;
• You can be sent to your room;
• You can be grounded
• Your pocket money may be stopped.

This list is not complete. There may be other punishments of a similar type (see what punishments are NOT allowed below)

Q. What does "grounded" mean?

A. This is when your carers tell you that you are not allowed to leave the home without permission, for example to go out with your friends or to an activity after school.

Q. What punishments are not allowed in care?

A.

• Preventing you from sleeping or waking you early in the morning;
• Making you pay a fine except where one has been imposed by the court or where you have damaged property. In these circumstances you can be asked to pay towards the cost of repair from your pocket money;
• Locking you in your room or in the home
• Locking you out of your home
• Smacking or hitting you in any way
• Stopping your food and drink
• Stopping you seeing your parents - (but see contact)
• Wearing special clothes as a punishment

Q. If I do not agree with the punishments, what can I do?

A. You should first talk to your social worker, but you can also talk to an independent person such as an independent visitor, a Children's Rights Worker, your solicitor or a children's advocate who will try and help you. (See further contacts page). If you are still unhappy, you can also raise this at your Review. (see section on Reviews )

Q. If I am still not satisfied can I complain?

A. Yes, you may make a complaint - see the section on Complaints.