Support is available to help care leavers build and maintain strong, safe relationships and support networks.
On this page
- Creating a strong and safe support network
- Understanding your life history
- Independent Advocates - supporting your right as a care leaver
- Personal relationships support
- If you are a parent
Creating a strong and safe support network
The Leaving Care Service can support young people to reconnect with people who have been important in the past, including former carers and family members, if this is a positive step.
Personal advisers can also help care leavers build healthy relationships with friends and family, and support them to stay safe within these relationships.
Understanding your life history
When a care leaver feels ready, the Care Leavers Team can support them to explore their life history and time in care, including access to case files.
This may include help to trace family members and emotional support during the process, as it can sometimes be a difficult experience. Personal advisers can provide more information and guidance if a care leaver would like to explore this.
Independent Advocates - supporting your right as a care leaver
Care leavers have the right to support from an Independent Advocate. Advocates help young people take part in decisions about leaving care, understand their rights, and be heard in meetings.
They can also support young people if they are unhappy with the decisions made by their personal adviser.
Independent Advocates are not part of social care or the council — they work for a separate organisation.
To speak to an Independent Advocate:
Telephone: 0808 901 9488
Email: advocacy@childrenssociety.org.uk
A personal adviser can also help to make contact with an advocate.
Personal relationship support
If you're in a relationship that feels difficult, unsafe or is making you unhappy, your personal adviser can support you. This includes helping you stay safe from domestic abuse or sexual exploitation.
Your personal adviser will respect your gender and sexual identity. They can help you access services that offer support with sexual orientation, gender identity and related needs.
They can also support you to challenge any discrimination you experience as a care leaver.
If you are a parent
Your personal adviser can help you find support if you are pregnant or have a young child.
Family Hubs are a good place to access parenting groups and support for families with children under 5.
If your child is over 5, the Family Service may be able to support you with parenting. You or a professional working with you can contact the Early Help Unit:
Telephone: 0115 804 1248
Email: early.help@nottscc.gov.uk
The Families Information Service on this site also provides useful information for parents and parents-to-be.
If you are a first-time teenage mum-to-be, you may be able to get support through the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP). FNP is a home-visiting service that provides support to young first-time mothers and their babies, and can include fathers and family members if the mother agrees.
Ask your personal adviser how to access this support, as the process can vary.