Lifelong Links

What is it?

Lifelong Links is for young people in care. It helps find and bring together people who care about you. This can be people you know well, people you have not seen for a while (like a former teacher or carer) and even relatives who you have not yet met.

How can it help me?

• By finding family and friends who you care about.
• You can learn more about your family history.
• By bringing together people who you want in your life and who you can turn to for support as you grow up.

How does it work?

A trained Lifelong Links coordinator will:

• Learn about the people that are important to you.
• See if they can find those people.
• Discuss with you and your social worker if they should be invited to a meeting called a Family Group Conference.

At your Family Group Conference there will be time:

• To talk about what you want & need.
• For you and your family and friends to plan how they will support you.
• To involve your social worker in agreeing the Lifelong Links plan*.

How do I take part in Lifelong Links?

Just talk to your social worker or carer or Independent Reviewing officer and ask them to contact the Lifelong Links service in your local authority.

Remember it is your choice.

Lifelong Links will only happen with your agreement.

If you change your mind, just tell your carer, social worker or coordinator.

Need more support?

We can arrange a person to provide this along the way. For example: to help you be heard.

To find out more information about how to participate please speak to your social worker.