Foster What?

Listen to Aaron and Seb talk about their experience with Mental Health and how important it is to speak to someone if you think you could be suffering with your Mental Health.

Click this link to see an extensive list of Mental Health Charities who can offer support:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/nhs-voluntary-charity-services/charity-and-voluntary-services/get-help-from-mental-health-helplines/

In this short episode we talk about what 'Contact' is. 

Contact is also called family time and is different for everyone so if you have any questions then the best person to speak to is your social worker. They can help you understand your situation!

James joins us to talk through his experience with Matt (his support worker) and just how much it helped to have that extra help when he needed it.

Today we hear from Florida, a young mother and a care leaver who talks about her experience of navigating having a young child, studying full time and achieving her dreams!

Today, Yazmin and Charlotte speak abouut just how important it is to understand that your Pathway plan is for YOU. It is there to help you reach your goals and aspirations. It will also help you understand a bit more about the support you will have access to as you enter adulthood.

Today, Yasmin and Charlotte discuss what a Personal Advisor is, how often you will see them and just how they can help you!

Today, Yazmin and Charlotte answer the all important question of 'What is a Social Worker?'.

A social worker is one of the first people you will meet when you first go in to care and they are an important person who is there to support you!

We speak to Yazmin, a care leaver who talks about her experience of what being in care was actually like. We discuss some things that will stay the same but also some things that might change.

Today we are talking all about the rights and entitlements a care leaver has at University. University can be a daunting thing for any young person and many may think that because they are in carer they can not access it. We're joined by two care leavers who have both been to/ are currently at Uni. 

Today we answer the question 'What is an Advocate?'

Special thanks to Florida and Lewis for their contributions.

In this episode of FosterWhat we will talk about what is foster care? 

Welcome to FosterWhat?: a show that answers any questions a young person might have about foster care using language anyone can understand. It is often too hard to find an answer online that explains to someone who is actually in foster care what they are going through. Most of the time, if you were to google simple questions about fostering. You will get a response targeted at an adult working in the foster care. We want to flip that on its head and make it quick and easy to find answers to important questions. Each episode will be presented by care leavers, and will feature people who work in fostering.

What is an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)?

If you are in care - you should have an IRO. They chair your care planning meetings and ensure decisions made are acted on. They will make sure decisions are made in your best interests, listen to you and ensure your views are listened to. They will help you resolve any disagreements you may have about the things you receive and they will stand up for your rights.