Hello, I’m Li Jean-Luc Harris. As someone who has navigated the care system myself and now works to support young people like you, I want to talk about something incredibly important: your voice.
Sometimes, things don’t go the way they should. Maybe you feel you aren’t being listened to, or perhaps a decision was made about your life that feels unfair. I want you to know that you have a legal right to complain, and doing so is a sign of strength, not “being difficult.”
Table Of Contents
What Does it Mean to Complain?
Complaining isn’t just about “moaning.” In the care system, a complaint is a formal way of saying: “I am not happy with how I am being treated, and I want something to change.”
When should you make a complaint?
You can make a complaint about almost anything that affects your life in care, such as:
- Changes to your placement that you weren’t consulted on.
- Not seeing your family or friends as agreed in your care plan.
- Feeling unsafe or unhappy in your current home.
- A lack of support with your education or health.
- The way a professional talks to you or treats you.
How to Make a Complaint (Step-by-Step)
If you’re unhappy, you don’t have to jump straight to a formal letter. Here is the best way to get heard:
1. Talk to Someone You Trust
Often, problems can be fixed quickly by speaking to your foster carer, residential worker, or Social Worker. Tell them clearly what is wrong and what you would like to happen.
2. Contact Your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Your IRO is the person who checks your care plan. Their whole job is to make sure the local authority is doing right by you. You can call or email them directly to share your concerns.
3. Ask for an Advocate
This is one of the most important tools you have. An Advocate is someone independent (they don’t work for the council) whose job is to stand by your side and help you say what you want to say.
Important Note: You have a legal right to an advocate when making a complaint. They make sure the “grown-ups” listen to you.
4. The Formal Complaint Process
Every local authority has a “Children’s Rights” or “Complaints” officer. If your problem isn’t fixed by talking, you can start a formal process. This usually has three stages:
- Stage 1 (Local Resolution): The council tries to fix the problem within 10–20 working days.
- Stage 2 (Investigation): If you aren’t happy with the Stage 1 result, an independent person investigates your complaint.
- Stage 3 (Review Panel): A panel of independent people looks at how your complaint was handled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I get in trouble for complaining?
No. It is illegal for anyone to punish you or treat you worse because you made a complaint. Your Social Worker and carers should actually encourage you to speak up.
What if I’m worried about what to say? Write it down first. You can use bullet points or even draw how you feel. Remember, your advocate can help you put your feelings into words.
Can I complain if I have already left care? Yes. Care-experienced adults can often complain about things that happened while they were in care, especially regarding their transition to adulthood (leaving care support).
My Personal Insight: Why Your Voice Matters
When I was in care, I sometimes felt like a passenger in my own life. It felt like “the system” was a big machine and I was just a cog inside it. But I learned that when I spoke up—clearly and with support—the machine had to stop and listen.
You are the expert on your own life. No one knows how you feel better than you do.
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