Children in Care
This web area has been developed to support children in the care of the council and those who have left care in Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes Children in Care Pledge
This pledge is a promise to children in care. It also tells the adults who work with children in care what they should be doing to support you. It will apply to any child or young person looked after by Milton Keynes Council.
We will make sure:
GET TO KNOW YOU
We treat you as an individual, listen to what matters to you, make sure your wishes are heard and taken into account, respect your dignity and recognise your achievements
LISTENING TO YOU
You can always speak to your social worker and your independent reviewing officer alone when they visit you, and that you know how to contact them at other times
EDUCATION
We support and encourage you throughout your education and help you to make good decisions about your future education and employment
INTERESTS
You have the opportunity to take part in leisure, arts and sporting activities and if you have a special interest, such as a sport or music, where reasonable we will help you pursue this interest
PLACEMENT
We give you information about your placement before you go there and whenever possible arrange a proper introduction, we will also make sure that you have a suitcase to transport your belongings when needed
HEALTH
You have access to health services and receive support and advice about any issues that you have. If you need help after you are 18 because of any illness or disability, we will discuss your needs with Adult Social Services as early as possible.
IT
All children of secondary school age and beyond will have safe access to a computer and internet access outside of school. Younger children will have access to computers in the foster home as appropriate for their age.
SUPPORT
You know how to let us know if you are unhappy with something and provide an independent visitor or an advocate (someone to help your voice be heard) to support you in telling us, if you want this.
CHANGE
If a change has to happen, we will discuss it with you and explain the reasons to you honestly.
CONTACT
Your friends and family and others are important and where we can we will help you to keep in touch with them if you want to.
LIFE STORY
We help you compile a life story about the important events, information and people in your life in the best way for you.
INDEPENDENCE
We will support you with the transition to independence, recognising your existing skills and help you to learn any additional skills you will need to live independently.
Mind of my Own
Milton Keynes Council is using Mind Of My Own (MOMO) for hearing your voice and gathering your comments.
MOMO is a fuss-free way to put down your thoughts and send them to those who need to hear from you. This can happen anytime and anywhere.
Download the app or use it online Mind of My Own
You can speak to your worker about how to use MOMO.
You can also ask Richard Lee richard.lee@milton-keynes.gov.uk if you have any questions at all.
Youth Groups
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Child in Care Youth Project (8-15yr olds) The CIC Youth Project provides children and young people (8-15) with a weekly opportunity to have fun, make new friends with other children and young people within the care system, enjoy peer support, take part in sports and arts/crafts activities, get support with homework and learning and eat a meal together in a safe environment. Talk to your Social Worker if you would like to join in. Day: Thursdays Time: 4.00-6.30pm Venue: Newport Pagnell Youth Centre, Wolverton Rd, Newport Pagnell MK16 8HX |
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Children in Care Youth Project+ (16-18yr olds) The CIC+ Youth Project provides young people (16-18) with an opportunity to socialise and develop relationships with other young people within the care system, develop skills needed to live independently including cooking and budgeting, gain access to support, advice and guidance and increased confidence and capability to access required services independently. Talk to your Social Worker if you would like to join in. Day: Every other Tuesday (starting 31st Jan 2017) Time: 5.00-7.00pm Venue: Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Rd, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, MK6 4NP |
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New2UK For young people aged 13-19 who are new to the UK Come and take up the opportunity to meet other people in the area. Learn more about different cultures, improve and develop new skills and boost your confidence. There are also sports, games, music sharing, outings and much more. Free refreshments are provided. Day: Every Monday Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm Venue: Hedgerows Family Centre, Langland Road, Netherfield, Milton Keynes MK6 4NP |
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Our Voice – Children in Care Council (11-18yrs) ‘Our Voice’ the Children in Care Council provides young people (11-18) the chance to shape and influence the parenting that they receive at every level, it gives young people a chance to have a say about the things that really matter in their lives, helping to shape the overall strategy for cared for children and young people in Milton Keynes. The group meet 
together to discuss important issues, meet with key decision makers and members of the Corporate Parenting Panel and work on fun and engaging projects to involve other young people in care and care leavers. They aim to: • Have an active involvement in projects which affect the transition and progress of children and young people • Make a difference to the lives of children and young people • Be listened to by social workers, managers, directors and the Corporate Parenting Panel Talk to your Social Worker if you would like to join in. Day: Every other Tuesday Time: 5.00-7.00pm Venue: Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Rd, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, MK6 4NP |
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True Triumph 2017 Planning Group (11-18 yr olds) True Triumph is an Annual Award Ceremony for children, young people and care leavers. The event will take place on Friday 30th June 2017. We are looking for young people to help organise and run the event. The planning group will meet together each month to plan the event and co-ordinate the awards. Talk to your Social Worker if you would like to join in. Day: Wednesdays (starting on February 1st) Time: 4.00-5.30pm Venue: Rivers, Humber Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 7PH |
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Recruitment and Selection (11-25yr olds) An ongoing opportunity for young people to be involved in the recruitment and selection processes of key officers within Milton Keynes Children and Families. Posts have included Head of Corporate Parenting, Deputy Team Manager – Corporate Parenting Team and Independent Reviewing Officer. Young people receive interview training before an interview and will receive accreditation. |
Advocacy Service
Do you want to have a say in the decisions being made about your life? Do you feel you’re not being listened to?
An advocate can give you information and advice so you understand your rights, make sure people listen to you and know what’s important to you and help you speak out at your reviews or other meetings.
Reconstruct advocates are independent visitors and here just for you. They do not work for your social worker, the council or the place in which you live. If you want help to tell people what is important to you, get in touch with them:
Freephone: 0800 389 1571
Email: yourvoice@reconstruct.co.uk
https://www.reconstruct.co.uk/children-and-young-peoples-pages/