Being in care

Coming into care

If you're reading this, it's likely because you've recently come into care, which is also known as being 'looked after' by the local authorities.

Your social worker should have already talked to you about why you're not able to stay at home right now and why you're in care. If that hasn't happened or you're still feeling unsure, you can chat with your carers, social worker, independent reviewing officer, or someone else you feel comfortable talking to.

Your social worker and independent reviewing officer will share their contact details with you, so you can get to know everyone who's involved.

What it means to be in care or looked after

For various reasons, some children and young people can't live with their parents, and that's when the council steps in. They make sure you have a safe place to stay and someone to take care of you. When this happens, we say you're in care or looked after.

When you're looked after by Wokingham Borough Council, it means that when you first came into care, you were living in one of the areas we are responsible for.

Is being in care forever?

Not necessarily. How long you stay in care is different for everyone. Your social worker will be the one to talk to you about what's going on. They'll check in with you to see how you're feeling and what you want for the future.

All the adults involved in your life will be working together to figure out what's best for you. That could mean going back home, staying where you are, or moving to a different carer.

What does it mean?

Local Authority 
Wokingham Borough Council is your local authority. It has many different services under one roof, and looks after the day-to-day running of things in the Borough.

Review Meetings
These meetings are to discuss the arrangements for where you are living and to talk about the plans for the future. 

Social Worker
This is someone who looks after your case. You may have been introduced to them before you came into care, or they may be new to you. They will be the ones who have the most contact with you, visit you, and come to your meetings.

Independent Review Officer (IRO) 
Your Independent Reviewing Officer’s main job is to make sure that you are being looked after properly. They will hold a meeting every six months for you and everyone helping to care for you, to make sure you feel safe and happy. You decide who will be in the reviews. An IRO leads (or "chairs") your review meeting.