If you’re away from home it is important that everyone keeps a check on what’s happening, that you are being cared for properly, and what’s going to happen next. This has to be done at least every six months, at a meeting called a review. This will be chaired by somebody called an Independent Reviewing Officer.
It’s very important that you know what a review is, what’s going to happen at a review, what other people are going to say, and how you can have your say. You’ll always be invited to your review meeting and you must really try to be there, even though you might feel scared or uneasy. All those involved with you should help you get ready for a review. When the review is over, you’ll get your own report of what was talked about and what will happen next. If you feel strongly enough about something, you can ask for a special review to be called. You can also have an advocate at your reviews. This is a person who is there just for you and can help you to get your views across. If you would like an advocate ask your social worker or carer.
