People Who Will Support You
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Solicitor
A solicitor will help you with your Asylum Claim. They must be registered with the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). Your Social Worker who works for the Local Authority, will make sure you have access to a Solicitor. Your Solicitor should listen to you and treat you with respect.
It is important that you share all important information with them to support your claim for Asylum. You do not have to pay for your Solicitor.
Children’s Trust
Is also known as the council or the Local Authority and is the organisation that looks after the part of England that you are in.
Social Worker
A social worker is a person who works for the Children’s Trust to provide help and support to children and adults in need. They should act in your best interest and will assist you in accessing the services that you need and are entitled to.
Family Support Worker
Is a person who will provide you with support in your foster home or supported accommodation. They will work closely with your Social Worker and/or Personal Advisor to ensure your needs are met. They work for the Children’s Trust.
Family Support Worker
A family support worker is a person who may provide you with support in your foster home or supported accommodation. Family support workers sometimes work closely with your Social Worker and/or Personal Advisor to ensure your needs are met. They work for the Children’s Trust.
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
An independent reviewing officer is a person employed by the Children’s Trust; however, they are independent from the social work teams. They ensure that the Children’s Trust is doing everything they should do to care for you and make sure your views, wishes and feelings are included in all plans we make with you.
Doctor/Nurse
Doctors and nurses are medical professionals that will support you with all your health care needs. They will work with your Social Worker to make sure you are healthy. Healthcare in England is free of charge.
Personal Advisor (PA)
Most young people that are leaving care aged 16-18 will be allocated a Personal Advisor by the Children’s Trust. They will work with you to help you learn the skills you need to live independently. Your personal advisor will support you until you 21 years old, but if further support is needed, they can continue to offer advice and guidance until you turn 25.
Advocate
An advocate is independent to the Children’s Trust and provides support to a child or young person who are cared for. They can speak up for you, help ensure your views are heard and taken seriously, ensure your rights are respected and work with you to resolve any issues you may have.
Appropriate Adult
An appropriate adult is an Independent Person who can support you in interviews and meetings that can look out for your welfare. This is someone separate from Sandwell Children’s Trust.
Foster Carer
You may live with a foster carer if you are under 18 years old, they will look after you in their home. As well as providing day-to-day care for children and young people, they will advocate on your behalf, support you with your education, health and social wellbeing.
Support/Key Worker
If you are 16 years old or older it is possible that you will live in supported accommodation. There will be staff employed at the accommodation to help you learn how to live independently. One staff member may be asked to work closely with you to help and that person is called your Key or Support Worker.
Teachers
Teachers are the people you will be with whilst at school or college. They are responsible for your learning and keeping you safe whilst in their care. Your teachers will help you to learn English. You will be supported to enrol at school or college depending on your age.