Virtual School for children in Care (VSCIC)
This is a group of professionals who work together for
Peterborough. They ensure you can do the best that you can in
education.
Advocate
An advocate is someone who can help you say what you think. They
will listen to what you have to say and help you comment, make a
complaint, or say something good about what has happened to you.
They can visit you, go to meetings with you and help you write
letters about things that are important to you. You can contact an
advocate anytime you want. Ask your social worker, independent
reviewing officer or carer to arrange it. You could also contact
them directly.
Carer
Looks after you on a day to day basis in their home.
Child Participation officer
The Children’s participation officer is there for you to talk
about anything (good or bad) and help you to sort it out. They will
ensure you are listened to, valued and understood and encourage you
to put forward your views about what is good about the service and
what needs to change.
Corporate Parent
Every adult who you come into contact with has a Corporate
Parenting responsibility to treat you as they would expect someone
to treat their own child. Everyone involved in your life must act
so that you can achieve the best you can.
Children’s Guardian
This is when an independent person is appointed by the court to
represent you during court. They will ask a solicitor to speak for
you in court. The Children’s guardian will only be in contact with
you until the case is over in court.
Designated Teacher for Children in Care
This is someone who is at your school who will help you achieve
the best you can with your work and socially within school. They
will ensure you have a personal education plan (PEP) and act as
your advocate in school.
Independent Reviewing Officer
An Independent Reviewing Officer makes sure children and young
people have regular reviews to consider their care plan and
placement. Their role is to ensure your views are taken into
consideration, and that the Local Authority fulfils its duties and
functions. It is important you always have the chance to speak to
them in private.
Key worker
If you live in a children’s home you will be allocated a
‘Keyworker’ They take a special interest in you while you live in
the home and help you with day to day things and talk about future
plans. They will also help you buy clothes, toiletries, things for
school and items to personalise your room. You will also be invited
to a ‘Keyworker session’ with your Keyworker.
Social Worker
If you are in care you will have a social worker. You can tell
your social worker about your feelings and problems. He or she will
visit you regularly, and give you a phone number to get in touch
with them. Make sure you keep it in a safe place. Your social
worker will listen to you and try and help you sort things out. You
can also talk about the future with them.
Fostering supporting social worker
Will visit your foster carer to make sure they have all the help
and things they need to look after you well.
Designated nurse
Will see you roughly every 12 months to make sure you are in
good health. You will know how to contact them and they will answer
any questions that you might have.
Independent visitor
Is someone that can take you out and attend meetings with you if
you wish. They are volunteers who like to spend time
supporting you.