Have your say! » What if I am not happy and find it hard to speak up?
What if I am not happy and find it hard to speak up?
Links within this page:
» What is an advocate?
» What is an Independent Visitor?
If you are not happy about something and find it hard to speak to your social worker you should try speaking to another adult that can help you. This could be another adult you trust like your foster carer, key worker, personal advisor, teacher or social care team manager. If this does not help you can ask for an advocate.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is someone who can work with you and help you to make sure that your views, feelings, thoughts and wishes are heard. Making sure that people know what you think is so important because it means that your views are taken into account when decisions are made about you.
An advocate can attend your review meetings to support you and help you speak up if you need them to; they can also give you information and advice and also help you with making a complaint.
An advocate is independent which means that they do not work for Lambeth Council. If you would like support from an advocate, call Patience Wilson – Lambeth Complaints Manager on 0207 926 6335 or 0207 926 9777.
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What is an Independent Visitor?
If you have had little or no contact with your parents for more than a year, then the law says that you should be provided with an Independent Visitor.
An independent visitor is like your friend, they visit you regularly and like an advocate, help to make sure that your voice is heard. An independent visitor can also help to support you to take part in making decisions about your care.
An independent visitor is a volunteer and is independent from Lambeth Council so this means that they do not work for the Council.
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