Websites

Care Files and the Law
If you were raised in care in the UK and want to find out what was recorded about you during your time in care then this website should be helpful.

Carelaw
An information site for children and young people in the care of a local authority in England and Wales or preparing to leave care. It covers many topics from your rights in care to what happens when you leave care.  It also explains how the law is different if you are 'accommodated', as opposed to being under a care order.

Careleavers Reunited
Chat rooms and online resources for those who have been in care.  The site contains a register of carehomes so that careleavers can make contact with those they were in care with.

Helping your child in care
Information from Caerphilly County Borough Council aimed at parents of children in care.

Right Here Right Now
New website from the Who Cares Trust that tells you all you need to know about being in care. Has information and support on a range of subjects whether you're a young person, a carer, someone who works within the care system, or if you just want to find out more.

Setting the agenda: what's left to do in leaving care?
This policy report from NCH, published in February 2004, analyses support for care leavers and the impact of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. Improved services for care leavers are highlighted and the report makes recommendations for future provision.

Shelter: How social services can help care leavers
If you left care on or after 1 October 2001, you may be able to get housing help from social services. This website from the charity Shelter provides information about who is eligible, what help is available and offers advice if you become homeless.

SoNet
This website contains a discussion board for people in or out of care where you can make your voice heard, or respond to other people's opinions.  SoNet is independently run and features an events page to keep everyone up to date with what is happening.

UK Commonwealth Children’s Homes Group
This group was set up for people who have spent time in care, either in a home or with foster parents. This is a place where people can come to share their experiences with others who can understand where they are coming from.

Youth Information - Local authority care
Information for young people who are in care, including details of your rights and advice about benefits and getting the most out of school. 

Government websites

Department for Education and Skills: Education Protects
This website, about the government's guidance on the education of children and young people in care, sets out current policy and methods to raise standards.  The Education Protects programme aims to help local authorities raise the educational achievements of children and young people in care.

Department for Education and Skills: Children's Trusts
Children who need help from social services very often need help from other services as well. Children's Trusts integrate local education, social care and some health services for children and young people.

National Statistics Online: children’s homes and secure units
Government data about children in care.

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