As a Cared for Child, Telford & Wrekin Council will be responsible for looking after you and making sure you are safe and well. You will have a social worker and together you will develop a Care Plan. This plan details what you need and how different agencies can support you in partnership with your family (if appropriate).

Your social worker will find you a ‘placement’ this is somewhere to stay with support. For example, this could be accommodation with support workers who are based in the building and where other young people live as well, or you might stay with a foster family, it depends on what best meets your needs.

You will get help with

  • Your education, employment and training.
  • Learning the skills you need to live independently, like understanding a tenancy, practical skills to maintain your home and help with budgeting your money.
  • Support in maintaining relationships with your family members.
  • Your health and wellbeing.

You will be expected to attend regular meetings and reviews of your Care Plan. You will also be allocated an Independent Reviewing Officer who makes sure everything in your Care Plan stays on track and will also meet with you as they want to know from you what your wishes and feelings are.

How long will I be supported as a Cared for Child?

You will receive help and support from a social worker until you are 18. If you have been a Cared for Child for 13 weeks or more before turning 18, you are entitled to help and support as a Care Leaver.

Who pays for my accommodation as a Cared for Child?

Children’s Services will take care of this. They will also give you a set allowance to make sure you have money for your day to day needs which means you do not need to apply for benefits to help with this. For some people this will be the first time that they have had to manage their own money. We will support you to learn budgeting skills if you need this help.