Relative Foster Care
Relative foster care is when you live with another member of your family: maybe an aunt, uncle or grandparent.
Things to know about Relative Foster Care
Your family
You, your family, your social worker and other important people in your life will decide which family member you will live with.
Your Social Worker
Your social worker and your family are responsible for looking after you. Your parents will also have a say in your care. Your social worker visits as often as needed to make sure everything is going well. You can arrange to talk to or ask for a meeting with your social worker anytime.
Lynn's relative care story
Listen to Lynn's story to see how she got on in relative care.
Looking back, I have lots of good memories of my family being around me at important milestones in my life, birthdays, getting my Leaving Cert results, going to college. And now I’m older I can ring them to tell them when I have good news - I am connected to them. It made me really close with my family.
Lynn, age 24, Dublin
Your Care Plan
A Care Plan is put together for every young person when they come into care. It is a record of all important decisions made about you while you are in care; where you will live and who you will live with, where you will go to school, where and when you will meet your parents, brothers and sisters (if it is safe to do so) - this is called ‘access’, how your social worker will help you and other important parts of your life e.g. your health.
Your Child in Care Review Meeting
This is a meeting when the people who care for you come together to talk with you about how you’re getting on and review your Care Plan. The people at the meeting might be your parents, your family, your social worker, social work team leader and other important people in your life. The meetings take place regularly and last for about one hour.
Meet a Child in Care Social Worker
Listen to Andrew talk about the work of a Child in Care Social Worker.
Privacy
Everyone does not have to know your story. However, your social worker or family member might have to pass on some things you say to other people e.g. if you are in danger.
Complaints and Feedback
You have the right to have your say and be listened to. If you want to make a complaint or give feedback - talk to your social worker or email, call, text or WhatsApp.
