Tricky Words Guide
Sometimes you will hear or see tricky words written on forms or being said by teachers, social workers, your parents or a carer. This guide will help you learn what they are talking about so you can make informed decisions about your life.
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Scroll down to see list of words and an explanation for what they mean!
PA
All young people in care and care leavers aged 16 to 21 years will have a named Personal Advisor – also known as a PA. Your PA will keep in touch with you and be responsible for reviewing and updating your Pathway Plan. They will contact you every eight weeks, but more if this is needed. You can always contact your PA in between these contacts if you need advice and support.
Social Worker
Your social worker is one of the people you will see while you’re in care. A social worker is someone who will visit you to: •listen to what you want now and in the future •make sure you are being looked after properly where you are living •make sure they make the right plans for you now and in the future •make sure you feel okay and if there is anything wrong, they will try to help you •support you through difficult times •help you get involved in activities
Support Worker
When you are in care you may also see a support worker. This is someone who will work with your social worker to make sure everything is okay for you. You may see your support worker more than you see your social worker. Your support worker will: •come and see you where you are living •support you if you are having any difficulties or problems •let you talk to them about any issues you may have •take you to see your family and friends Your support worker may try and support you to understand why you are in care.
IRO
An Independent Reviewing Officer is sometimes known as an IRO for short. An IRO is independent of Children's Social Work Services. It is the IRO’s job to make sure that all the things that are agreed in your Care Plan are being done. They do this by holding regular review meetings with you and the people who care for you. You should know who your IRO is before your first Review but if you don’t know (or are not sure) you can: •Ask your social worker to find out •Phone: 0121 788 4310 •Email: cprulac@solihull.gov.uk
Advocate
An Advocate is someone who does not work for children's social work services and is independent. They can talk for you at your Review and will only say what you want them to say and only use your words. An Advocate can also support you to talk for yourself if that is what you would prefer. To get an Advocate you can: •Ask your social worker, foster carer, or IRO •Contact NYAS yourself on; oEmail: help@nyas.net oVisit website: www.nyas.net oCall free phone: 0808 808 1001
Looked After Nurse
To make sure you are healthy whilst you are in care and get the right support for you, we offer you regular Health Assessments and opportunity to talk about any worries you may have. You will see a doctor the first time or a nurse for any further health appointments. The doctor would see you in clinic but after this the nurses will come and see you at home or a place to suit you, this will be at a time to suit you also. We do our best to make sure you have your say in your health because you are important! There may also be other times when you want to meet, or talk on the phone (in confidence) about health issues, or you may want a bit of advice. You can do this by contacting your nurse directly: •Office: 0121 295 3010 •Email: bhs-tr.LAC-teamforsolihull@nhs.net
Independent Visitor (IV)
An Independent Visitor is someone who can take you out to do activities or other things you enjoy, sometimes called an IV. They may also go to your meetings, like review meetings if you want them to. Children in care usually have an IV if they: •Have little or no contact with their family and / or •Are living a long distance from Solihull
Care Experienced
This is any adult who spent time in care as a child or young person. This care would have been approved by the state through a court order or on a voluntary basis. It can range from as little as a few months to as long as their whole childhood (18 years). Such care could be in foster care, residential care (mainly children’s homes) or other arrangements outside the immediate or extended family.
Care Plan
A care plan is written with you. It includes what your needs are whilst you are in care and what needs to be done to meet those needs.
CiCC
CiCC stands for Children in Care Council. This is a group of children and young people who are in care or are Care Leavers that come together to bring about positive change to the services they receive.
Discretionary
Discretionary means you will not automatically get this service or funding. You will need to meet certain criteria.
Health Assessment
When you come into care you will have a Health Assessment every 12 months. Sometimes this may be more often if needed. A Health Assessment is a chance to meet and think about your health and any needs you may have. This includes any of the following you may want to have support with: •How you are feeling including if there is anything worrying you •Checking your height + weight if you want it checked •Basic contraceptive advice •Advice / information on sexual health After your Health Assessment, a Health Plan will be agreed with you if one is needed.
CLA
CLA stands for Child/Children Looked After and is a term used by professionals for a child or young person who may be in care or a Care Leaver.
PEP
All young people who are in care should have a Personal Education Plan (sometimes called a ‘PEP’), to make sure you get the education you need and that you get the best out of going to school. There are different forms that will be filled in to help make sure you receive the education you need: · PEP Information Leaflet · KS3 PEP · KS4 PEP · Young Person’s Views KS3 KS4 · Carers Views
Placement
Your placement is where you will live whilst you are in care and living away from your family. This placement may be with foster carers or with other family members such as your grandparents. Sometimes children and young people may live in a children’s home if it is the best way to meet their needs.
Review Meetings
Your review meeting is an opportunity to discuss what has happened since you came into care, check that the things agreed in your Care Plan are happening, and to plan for the future. Your first review meeting happens within 4 weeks of you coming into care. You will have another one after 3 months and then every 6 months after that.
UASC
UASC is a term used to describe an Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Child. Ultimately, a child or young person who has come to the UK, alone or without their family to escape war or other persecution in their home country.
