A comprehensive guide for children in care on understanding and exercising their right to complain, detailing processes, support systems, and how to advocate for their well-being.
Local Authority Support
Guidance and resources for local authorities in their role in child care.
Can You Be Successful After Being in Care? Inspirational Stories for Care-Experienced Youth
As someone who has walked this path, I know that being "in care" can sometimes feel like a label that limits your future. But I’m here to tell you—and show you—that your history is not your destiny. Being in care does not stop you from achieving greatness; in fact, the resilience you develop can...
What is Forensic Social Work?
Forensic social work is a specialized field where the legal system and social work practice meet. As someone with lived experience in the care system, I know that legal processes can feel overwhelming; forensic social workers serve as the vital bridge, ensuring that the human element is never lost...
Understanding the Statement of Purpose: A Guide for Families and Professionals
The phrase "Statement of Purpose" might sound like a dry, legal requirement, but in the world of residential childcare, it is actually the most important document a home possesses. It is the "DNA" of a children's home, outlining exactly how they will care for, protect, and support the children...
What Does “Staying Put” Mean?
```html "Staying Put" is an arrangement that allows a young person to continue living with their former foster carers after they turn 18. Instead of being required to move out into independent living on their 18th birthday, this arrangement enables them to remain in a stable, familiar environment...
Coming Home: A Guide to the Reunification Process
This comprehensive guide explores the critical ‘Coming Home: A Guide to the Reunification Process’, detailing its phases, the essential support systems, and the collaborative efforts required to safely return children from out-of-home care to their families, ensuring long-term stability and well-being.
Understanding Solo and Complex Placements in Social Care: A Guide for the Care Community
In the landscape of social care, few topics carry as much weight—or as much misunderstanding—as solo and complex placements. As someone who has lived through the care system and now advocates within it, I know that when a child is moved into a solo setting, it can feel isolating for the young...
Navigating the SENCO Role: A Guide for Families and Professionals
In my years working within the care system and sharing life stories, I’ve seen how pivotal one person can be in changing a child's trajectory. When a child has additional needs, that person is often the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, or SENCO. Understanding this role is vital whether you...
Navigating Ofsted: A Compass for Families and Professionals in 2026
This comprehensive guide navigates Ofsted’s evolving role in 2026, offering essential insights for families interpreting reports and professionals aiming for compliance and excellence in education and children’s social care.
What is a Personal Advisor (PA) in Social Care?
```html A Personal Advisor (PA) is a dedicated professional who provides practical and emotional support to young people as they transition from being "looked after" to living independently. Acting as a bridge between the care system and adulthood, a PA helps care leavers navigate everything from...
Understanding the Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
In the world of social care and education, the safety of children is not just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. As someone who has navigated the complexities of the care system both professionally and through lived experience, I know that having a clear point of contact for...
Safer Recruitment in Social Care: Building a Circle of Safety Around Our Children
As someone who has lived through the care system and now works to improve it, I know that "recruitment" isn't just a HR process—it is the first line of defense for a child’s safety. Whether it is a foster home, a residential unit, or a semi-independent placement for a young person finding their...












