Information for children and young people who are looked after by a foster carer, adoptive family or social services.
Most children and young people who are looked after by social services live with a foster carer until they can return to live with their own birth family, or until an adoptive family is found.
For children and young people we have produced the following guides about adoption and fostering.
If you don't feel like reading the information on your own, maybe you could ask an adult, a carer, your social worker, or even a friend to read it with you - it's always good to share things
If you are a young person and want more detailed information about adoption or fostering please read these:
Local offer for care leavers
This tells you about all the help that's available to you as you prepare to leave care, and to support you once you have left care and move into adulthood.
Merton Local Offer for Care Leavers
Our Children in Care Council and Care Leaver Forum
We believe it’s important to hear the views of young people, so our Participation and Engagement team facilitate a Children in Care Council and Care Leaver Forum.
Our Children in Care Council is for those aged 5-16, and our Care Leaver Forum is for those aged 17-25. Both forums are called Our Voice; for more information on Our Voice and how to get involved please contact the Participation and Engagement team on youth.participation@merton.gov.uk.
Other people you can talk to
If you are unhappy or have any worries about being fostered or adopted, you must tell someone you trust.
Jigsaw4U offers a range of independent services for children that can be tailored to meet their individual needs, including advocacy. Call them on 07432 586 332 or email jigsaw4uadvocacy@merton.gov.uk.
Contact us
London Borough of Merton
Permanence and Placements Service
4th Floor, Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Email adoption@merton.gov.uk or fostering@merton.gov.uk
Telephone 020 8545 4201