Being in Our Care

When you come into our care you will have the legal status of being a 'Looked After Child', however, in Blackpool we like to call you Our Children as we share responsbility for you with your parent(s).This means Blackpool Council's children’s services are responsible for caringfor you and making sure you are safe. If you are in our care this website will explain the reasons why and help explain who you will support you and you family, what will happen next and how you can meet other children and young people who are in our care, just like you.

Coming into our care

There are many different places where you could live these include:

• With foster carers 
• In a residential children’s home
• With a member of your family or someone you know before you come into our care
• In a semi-independent home

Wherever you live, you will be well cared for and treated with Care and Respect.

You will still be able to

• See your family (as long as it is safe for you to do so and in your best interest)
• See your friends
• Go to the same school
• Keep your hobbies and interests

Our main aim is to provide you with a loving, friendly and stable home; where you will live with people who genuinely care about you and you feel happy being there.

Everyone understands that care cannot replace your family, and we will do our very best to support you through this difficult time. We also understand that you are in care for a reason - your carers will have been told why this decision was made for you. All are bound by confidentiality so please don’t worry - they will protect your privacy.

Your carers will have been assessed and will have completed training to make sure that you receive the best possible care. They are supported by us and Ofsted; which is an independent organisation which inspects them to make sure that they are doing everything that we expect of them.

Let us know

If you are worried about the care you receive, or if you have any questions/comments, there are lots of people you can speak to:

• Your social worker
• Your independent reviewing officer (IRO)
• Your teacher
• Blackpool Advocacy HUB
• Children’s Commissioner    
• Speak To Us for more information