Files

Young people in care have files that contain information about them.  Your social worker keeps one in the office.  If you live in a Children’s Home they keep another file there.  These files contain information about all your reviews and how people have cared for you.  If you wish to see them you can speak to your social worker.  These files are kept long after you leave care, so you can ask later on to see them.

Education and Health also keep files with information about you.  When you are 16 you can ask to look at your education file.  As the law changed in 1990, you can only see information that was recorded after 1990.  Speak to your Headteacher about seeing these.

You also have to be 16 to see your health files, although you can see them younger than 16 if it is decided you would be able to understand what is in them.  Dentists, nurses, opticians, child mental health workers and doctors all may have information about you in a file.  If you wish to see your files you can ask your doctor or carer or talk to your social worker about it.