What does the Children's Rights Service do?
We provide advocacy for children and young people in care who are unhappy and might want to make a complaint
We run the Children in Care council
We run the Trafford Youth Cabinet
Advocacy
If you are unhappy with anything about being in care we can help you.
We will
Tell you what your rights are
Help you come to a decision about what you want to do
Help you speak up or speak on your behalf
Help you take part in meetings
We will
Meet with you in private
Be loyal to you and only you
Be independent from the people who care for you
Tell other people what you want to do
We will not
Judge you
Tell you what to do or not to do
Support anyone else but you
Making a complaint
If you have a problem and feel you are being treated unfairly or badly, or no one will listen to your point of view, you have the right to complain
What can you complain about?
Not wanting a move
Problems with your social worker
Bullying
A delay
Treatment by your carer(s)
Other young people's behaviour
Someone not listening
Inconsistency
A broken promise
Racism
Or any part of the care you are receiving
How do you complain?
Talk to someone you can trust. A friend, your social worker, teacher, parent, foster carer, key worker or your Children's Rights Worker.
If they can't solve your problem or your complaint is serious you will can call or write to or email the manager of the person you are unhappy about. Your Children's Rights worker will help you to do this if you want.
You should expect an answer within 10 working days
If you are not happy with the result you can ask for an independent person to look at your complaint. You should hear the result within 25 days
If you are still not happy an independent panel will hear your complaint
Why complain?
As well as sorting out your problem, your complaint will allow Trafford to make changes to make sure no other young person has the problems you had.
Useful Information
Childline: An independent organisation offering a free, confidential helpline. If you are worried or scared, or need someone to talk to telephone 0800 1111.
Legal Advice: If you do not already have a solicitor you could find one by looking in the yellow pages under 'solicitors'.
Children's Rights Service: Will help you with any complaint you have. Phone 0161 912 5094
You have the right to be kept safe in care. If you feel you have or are being mistreated in any way you should tell someone who you trust.
Children in Care Council
The Children in Care Council, called Youth Advocacy, is a group of children and young people from Trafford who are or who have been in care.
It tries to ensure that children and young people are involved in the improving the service the CYPS delivers to children and young people in care.
It meets during each school holiday for a day at Gorse Hill studios in Stretford.
Members also get involved in other activities (such as interviewing for new staff, being trained and training professionals and foster carers).
Trafford Youth Cabinet
Do you have any of these skills or qualities?
Dedicated
Kind
Opinionated
Team player
Nice
Smiley
Works hard and plays hard
Good speaker
Punctual
Committed
Prepared
Able to talk to others
Friendly
Socialising
Fair
Punctual
Fun
Outgoing
Interesting
Hardworking
Devoted to the cause
Be excellent to each other
If yes you should become a member of the Trafford Youth Cabinet
Trafford Youth Cabinet are representatives of the children and young people of Trafford.
It has members aged between 11 and 19.
Each member must live, work or study in Trafford.
They usually meet weekly in term time and at other times in school holidays.
They meet at Talkshop in Sale Waterside on Wednesday's at 4.30pm till 5.45 pm
Any member of the cabinet can represent the cabinet in any regional or national meeting or event.
Members are reimbursed for transport costs for attending meetings.
The youth cabinet tries to ensure equal opportunity for ALL children and young people.
The cabinet will does everything possible to ensure that any young person who wishes to be involved is able to do so. This may involve paying for child care costs, adaptations or special communication tools as required
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