Parents are always important and play a big part in your life and care.

We expect your parents, wherever possible, to:

• take part in decisions about you.
• come to see you as much as possible.
• come to all important meetings about you.
• go to your parents meetings at school.
• go with you to medical examinations
• help to make sure you see your, brothers, sisters, other relatives and people important to you.

We will work out with you and your parents exactly what things they will do.  This won’t be the same for every young person.

It can depend on:

• what your parents want.
• where your parents are and whether they are still in contact with you.
• how well you and your parents are getting on.
• the reason why you are being looked after.

We understand that some young people’s parents have both died.  However, close relatives can act as your parent during your time in our care.

Time with your family

The law is pretty clear. It says that local authorities have a ‘duty’ to allow ‘reasonable’ family time between children in our care and their parents but it’s important to remember that your social worker’s top priority is to keep you safe.

If you’re not allowed to see your family, your social worker should explain why.

The kind of time with your family you’ll get depends on your situation.  You might be left alone, or a member of children’s services might have to be present (that’s called supervised contact).

You should also know that your carers must never cancel planned visits or time with your family as a punishment.

And at all times, your wishes and feelings about family time must be thought about by your social worker and carers.

Time with your family will happen:

• if it is safe
• if you want it
• if your family wants it