We will empower you to make a positive contribution

We will work together across London to ensure that your voice is heard and that you are able to participate fully in decision making about your own lives and the services that affect you. You will have the opportunity for your achievements to be recognised and celebrate your successes and to contribute fully to the society in which you live.

34. We will consult you about all our services that affect you.

35. We will make sure that you know your rights and what services you are entitled to by putting this down in writing for you. We will also agree with you what we expect from you and put it down in writing.

36. We will organise meetings for children and young people who are looked after by a Council in London so that we can hear from you about how you think we can best plan to meet your needs as a group and you can tell us whether we are keeping our promises. We will also make sure that those who are not part of meetings or a children in care council have their say.

37. We will celebrate and promote your achievements with you, as well as the contribution you make to the community. This will also include marking your birthday, your religious festivals and making sure you have a copy of your school photo and reports.

38. In cooperation with your parents or carers we will ensure that you have a passport or know why you don’t have one.

39. Once you get to 16 years old we will ask you whether you want a mentor (e.g. 16+ worker) and arrange one for you if this will be helpful.

40. We will also offer you the chance to set up and participate in a peer mentoring programme for London. This will involve care leavers supporting young people still in care to grow and achieve.

41. In addition to your social worker, carer, family member, Independent Reviewing Officer and designated teacher, we will make sure that there is another way to tell us if you are unhappy about anything or have a complaint. We will let you know how to contact this person (an advocate) in writing and they will speak for you if you want them to.
We will also support you to contact your lead Councillor, Director of Children’s Services and senior managers, as necessary and you will be listened to by them.

42. We will work with others to provide you with information about volunteering and access to opportunities to help others.