Advice and support from a Personal Advisor
What a Personal Advisor is for
As a Care Leaver, you have the right to support from a Personal Advisor (PA) up to the age of 25.
The role of a Personal Advisor is to:
- Help prepare you for independent living
- Provide you with support after you leave care
Your Personal Advisor is responsible for ensuring you have a Pathway Plan in place. They will keep this up to date until you reach 21.
When you get a Personal Advisor
Before you turn 18, your Social Worker will introduce you to your Personal Advisor. They will work together to support you. Your Personal Advisor focuses more on helping you get ready for living independently once you turn 18 and supporting you after you leave care.
Your Personal Advisor must support you until you're 21 or until your 25th birthday if you ask them to.
We try to make sure that:
- You have the same Personal Advisor wherever possible
- Until you are 21, your Personal Advisor will be available to see you at least once every 8 weeks and that they keep in touch in between
If you are aged between 21 and 25, you are still entitled to support from a Personal Advisor. You can access this support by emailing leavingcare@peterborough.gov.uk.
Independent Reviewing Officer
While you are in care, your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) ensures your care plan meets your needs and that your voice is heard. As a Care Leaver in Peterborough, you can request IRO support via your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team up to the age of 25. This is part of your local entitlement.
Your right to advocacy
As a Care Leaver, you are entitled to advocacy. An advocate is an independent person who supports you in ensuring:
- Your rights are respected
- Your views are heard
- Your voice can influence decisions about your life
Advocates can assist with:
- Expressing your wishes in meetings
- Making a complaint
- Contributing to any plans that involve you
You can access free advocacy through the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS). Submit a referral form directly on their website or call 0808 808 1001.
Feedback and complaints
If you are unhappy about any aspect of the support you receive, please talk to your Personal Adviser or Social Worker. They will want to help sort it out. If you would rather talk to someone else, you can ask to speak to their manager or call the Leaving Care Team.
Alternatively, you can contact the Central Complaints Office (see contacts below).