Hello! I’m Alison, and I’ve been in care since I was 14 years old. Being labelled as a “care kid” doesn’t sound great. Believe me, I’ve had my share of good and bad days whilst being in foster care, but mostly good days.
There are lots of different places where you can get help when you first come into care. Me? I joined my local Children in Care Council (CiCC) group, who have been great to me. The group is called Voices Of Care and it meets regularly. It’s a unique chance to meet other young people who are in a similar situation to me. In these groups, I can be myself and talk openly about things that are concerning or worrying me, whilst also helping to improve services that affect me. It’s not all work, either – we have lots fun and go on lots of activities together.
This is what some of my friends from the CiCC group think about coming into care:
“I felt worried about what might happen; now I feel safe and secure. Make sure you talk to your social worker.” (15-year-old)
“Coming into care felt really scary, but it all worked out great for me in the end.” (14-year-old)
“I felt anxious and unhappy, now I feel loved and so spoilt!” (14-year-old)
“I was nervous as I was moving to a new home, but all my fears have turned into happiness.” (10-year-old)
“I feel like I’ve been given a fresh start in life.” (16-year-old)
Find your local Children in Care Council here.
Share your thoughts on coming into care with others in the comments below.
About the author
This content was adapted from a piece that originally appeared in Coventry Voices of Care newsletter. Thanks to Voices of Care for their help in developing this website! If you or your Children in Care Council would also like to get involved, get in touch with us at [email protected].
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