Warwickshire Direct
Children in Care Council (CICC)
We are children and young people aged between 12 and 25 who are placed with foster carers or in supported lodgings. We are here to make a difference in the lives of other looked after children and to represent the views and concerns of all Warwickshire's looked after children. We make sure that Warwickshire's pledge to young people is carried out.
We will talk with you about the experience of being in care in Warwickshire and put on events where you will be able to have your say. We meet monthly at a formal meeting with the Director of Children's Services and the lead council member for Children's Services. We have a briefing meeting each month.
Please note: The December 2011, January and February 2012 meetings were cancelled and all future meetings are cancelled until further notice. More information will be posted here when these meetings start again.
If you want to become a member of the CICC you can either talk to your social worker, foster carer, a member of the CICC or email cicc@warwickshire.gov.uk or phone 01926 413303.
Our aim
- Is to be the voice for all the looked after children and young people under Warwickshire County Council.
- To really listen to what people say and do something about it.
- To make sure our voice is heard.
- To make sure all children and young people have choice, commitment, trust, communication and improvement, which is met by the local authority.
- Follow through with the pledge and to make sure that Warwickshire is really keeping to their promise to us.
- Work as a team effectively for the benefit of all the looked after population.
The Pledge
Our promise to children and young people in care:
- To care about you, have the same hopes and expectations of you we have for our own children.
- To impact your lives and commit to minimising further disruption.
- To really listen to you.
- To continue to do what we think is right for you.
Ensuring that children and young people in care have:
- Choice and involvement and choice in decisions about remaining in local schools and placements.
- A better understanding of the plans and decisions made.
- A chance to work for the county council.
- Regular contact with social workers and others.
- Chances to prepare better for independence.
- Provide continuing support through further education.
Meet the Team
Jasmine Grinnell (Chair)
Matt
What do you hope to achieve in your role with the children in care council? Through my role as joint chair, I aim to help provide a voice for Warwickshire's 715 looked after young people. I also aim to get the CICC known by all looked after young people. My main objectives are to have a website and newsletter that are useful to young people. I would like to have the CICC running independently, holding more events for young people and for us to be recognised throughout Warwickshire.
What do you want to do when you leave school/education? In the future I would like a career working with young people.
Dan (Joint Chair)
What do you hope to achieve in your role with the children in care council? I hope to improve the life experience of children in care.
What do you want to do when you leave school/education? I want to go to university to study astrophysics. I am currently at college studying physics, chemistry, biology and maths at A Level.
Who is your role model? I am my own role model; however, Stephen Hawkins is a good one for me.
Shareen
What do you hope to achieve in your role with the children in care council? Bring positive changes in decision making and development. Also a voice for others and to minimise further disruptions.
What do you want to do when you leave school/education? I want to be a social worker when I am older as I would like to help children who have had difficult experiences at home
Who is your role model? Cheryl Cole - as she's unique
Lewis
Help and Support
24/7 Care Leavers' Helpline Number
The essential helpline for care leavers who need urgent help and support
01926 412249 low cost from your mobile
0800 389 4964 free from a landline
Coventry and Warwickshire Children's Rights Project Officer
The Children's Rights Project offers independent advice, support and information to children and young people looked after by the People Group Services (previously Children, Young People & Families Services) and works for Barnardo's.
If you want to get in touch, please telephone the number above or you can also write to us at our freepost address (no stamp required):
Coventry and Warwickshire Children's Rights Project Mr John Murphy (Children's Service Manager) 42 Lutterworth Road Nuneaton Warwickshire CV11 4LF
Tel: 02476 372 596 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can't speak to someone, leave a message on the answerphone and someone will call you back.
john.murphy@barnardos.org.uk
