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Looked After Children

The information in this section is here to help you with the questions you might have about being ‘looked after’. All of the sections have links for more information if there are things you need to find out more about.

What does being ‘Looked After’ mean?

When, for whatever reason, it is not possible for you to live with your parents, then you may be ‘looked after’ by us (Kingston Council). This means that we will make sure you have somewhere safe and comfortable to live, and we will help make sure you have all the other things you need such as clothes, getting to school, keeping in touch with friends, etc.

If you don’t have anywhere to live, or if for some reason the situation at your home is not ideal for you to continue living there, your social worker may think that it’s right for you to become ‘looked after’.

There are many different reasons why people become ’looked after’, and all young people will have different stories. Quite often you will be ‘looked after’ because of how things are working out at home, or because no one is able to look after you. It is important that you don’t feel alone or guilty because you are ‘looked after’.

Children and Family Services are here for you

You should always feel able to talk to someone about your feelings, or be able to ask any questions you have. If you don’t understand why you are ‘looked after’ then it is really important that you talk to someone you feel comfortable with about it. Everyone in Learning and Children's Services at Kingston Council knows that becoming ‘looked after’ can be a really frightening and upsetting experience and we are all here to help and support you.

There are lots of people you can talk to about anything

Usually your foster carer, key worker or social worker will be there for you to talk to, but there are other people too. Everyone understands how you feel and it’s important to us that you have someone to talk to if you want to and that you know where to go for advice and support if you need it.

The Looked After and Leaving Care Team is based at:

Room 216
Guildhall 1
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1EU

Tel: 020 8547 6587