It's All About Us - Having your voice heard

You have the right to express your views and opinions on all matters that affect you. It's your life and you have the right to say what you think and feel.

It's really important that others who care and are responsible for you know your views at reviews, panels and other meetings where decisions are being made about your care and future.

Some children and young people find it difficult to speak up at these meetings so if you need help to prepare for this, ask someone who you trust to help you. This might be a friend, your carer, key worker, teacher or social worker. You might also want to think about having an advocate who can help you express your views in these meetings.

If you are unhappy about a decision that has been made, you have the right to challenge this.
You can speak to your social worker and if you are still not happy you can make a complaint.

Children's Rights Director
There is a person called the Children's Rights Director who has a special interest in all children looked after across the country. He works really hard to ensure children and young people are being listened to and that their views are being heard.

Check out his website to find out more about your rights and the work that he and his team does.