If you have worries about something relating to your care, education or the adults who work with you, it is important that you talk to someone. Sometimes this could be someone you see regularly like your foster carer, Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer or teacher.
If you don’t want to talk to one of the professionals who works with you, you can talk to an advocate. An advocate is independent as they do not work for Kent County Council. Their role is to listen to your concerns and support you to find solutions which are in your best interest. They make sure you understand your rights and what you are entitled to as a child in care or care leaver in Kent. With your agreement, they can attend your Review Meetings and contact people who work with you on your behalf.
Kent County Council have an independent Advocacy Service with the Young Lives Foundation. You can contact them directly or ask someone to telephone them for you. Their phone number is 0808 164 0096 or you can email advocacy@ylf.org.uk.
If you want to make a complaint about something, you can also talk to or write to our Complaints Team.
- Call: 03000 411111
- Email: cscomplaints@kent.gov.uk
- Write: Kent County Council, Children’s Complaints Team, Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8XU
Rachel de Souza is the Children's Commissioner. Her Help at Hand team can provide help and advice to children in care and care leavers. If you have any concerns about your rights, your welfare or safety, you can get in touch with them:
The Become Charity is a leading charity supporting children in care and care leavers. If you are looking for advice or help about anything to do with the care you receive or are worried about the future, you can contact their friendly advice line.
- Call: 0800 023 2033
- Email: advice@becomecharity.org.uk
You can contact Child Line to talk about any worries you have whenever you want. No problem is too big or too small. It’s confidential and you don’t even have to give your name if you don’t want to.
The website also has lots of useful information to help you deal with a wide range of issues and problems.
