Your support workers
If you’ve been looked after before, you may already know all about these people. We’ll go through who each person is and why they are important.
Your Carer
Your carer provides you with a safe place to live, where your culture, heritage and religious beliefs are supported. They will look after you and help you with any areas of your life you are finding challenging.
Social Worker
Your social worker is there to make sure you have the best experience possible. They will visit to make sure that everything is okay at home and at school. During these visits it is important that you are honest and open.
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Your IRO is responsible for checking that your local authority (RBKC Council) is supporting you properly and that your placement is going well and that you’re happy. They are independent from your social worker and will check that your plans are suited to your needs. The role of the IRO is to:
- Chair review meetings.
- Meet with you on your own to find out about your wishes and feelings.
- Monitor the care you are receiving.
- Resolve any disputes about the review or your care plan.
Advocate
An Advocate is someone who will support you and ensure that you are aware of your rights and entitlements.
They will help you to speak up at review meetings/Pathway Planning meetings to ensure that your voice is heard, and your wishes and feelings are taken into consideration in the decisions made about you.
If you would like an Advocate, please let your Social Worker and IRO know or contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 07739969702
Independent Visitor
All young people in care are entitled to an Independent Visitor. Independent Visitors are long term volunteer mentors who are there to listen and befriend. They take you out on trips every month and get to know you and what you like.
They will be part of your network of support.