It takes a community to make a difference to the lives of our care experienced children and young people. In making this promise to you, we share our responsibilities by working with people who can help make this happen. We will do this by:

Being people you can trust

Together we promise to make sure that:

  • our words and actions will always be kind
  • we do not make promises we can’t keep; we are truthful
  • we do what we say we will do and if there are reasons why we can’t, we will explain to you the reasons why
  • we will make sure that everyone is doing their job properly and that you are involved in decisions about your care

a pinky promise with 2 hands
 

Listening to you and including you

Together we promise to make sure that:

  • you are involved in decisions that are about you and your care
  • you are always respected and listened to
  • if you’re unhappy about something, we will support you to speak to someone who can help you. This could be someone you already know, or it could be an advocate
  • we will listen to what you and other care experienced children and young people tell us, then work with you to improve the things that matter

two feet balancing on a tightrope
 

Working with you

Together we promise to make sure that:

  • we get to know you properly
  • we work together to give you the care and support you need
  • we do our jobs well and ask you to tell us how you think we are doing
  • we help you to keep your belongings safe
  • if you need to change where you are living, we make sure your belongings are moved with you in the right way, always

one person lifting another person up
 

Being and feeling safe

Together, we promise to make sure that:

  • you live in a safe and stable home
  • you are and feel safe in your school, college and community
  • you are given help to protect you from harm
  • if it is safe to and you want to, we will help you live with your family (even if it’s not with your parents)
  • if it safe and you want to, you are able to keep in regular contact with family and friends

two paper houses brightly coloured in
 

Supporting your physical and mental health

Together, we promise to make sure that:

  • you are registered with health services and that if you need it, you have help to make and to attend appointments
  • you can access advice from a dedicated nurse when you need it
  • you are given access to mental health advice when you need it
  • you can access information about sexual health when you need it
  • the people who take care of you support you with your physical and mental health
  • you are supported to live life in a way that contributes to good physical and mental health

two sets of bare feet in the sea
 

Having opportunities and activities

Together we promise to make sure that:

  • you know about opportunities and activities available to you, whether you live in Dorset or elsewhere
  • you can attend the activities and clubs that you want to and are given help to attend if you need it
  • you are treated the same way as your friends, without feeling like everyone knows that you are care experienced
  • your achievements are celebrated in a way that is right for you

young boy running with a kite
 

Having goals for your future and celebrating with you

Together, we promise to make sure that:

  • you are supported to identify your goals for the future
  • you know about the opportunities that are available to you and you know how to access them
  • you are listened to and encouraged to achieve what you want to achieve in the future and to be who you want to be
  • you have access to a good education and are supported to be in education
  • you know who your designated teacher is at school or the help available at college
  • you are supported to go to university, if that is what you want to do
  • you are given advice on how to get training or a job and you are helped to get there if you need it
  • you and your goals are celebrated in ways that are right for you

Teenage students sat at a table.
 

Being safe and happy as an adult

Together we promise to make sure that:

  • you meet your Leaving Care Personal Adviser at 16 and you know what their role is in supporting you
  • if it is possible and you want to, you can stay with your foster carers when you are 18
  • you are given the information you need at the right time, to help you prepare for becoming an adult
  • you are supported to develop and increase your independence at every stage of your life
  • we stay close and keep in touch

a young person cooking
 

Being you

Together, we promise to make sure that:

  • you are supported to find out what your likes and dislikes are, and we help you to do the things you love
  • you can access the things, people and places that are meaningful to you, wherever possible
  • we respect your journey, your individuality and celebrate expression in a way that is right for you
  • we respect you, and all that makes you who you are

a young person's foot and baby feet on a beach towel
 

If you are reading this and you are unhappy with something, speak to someone you trust like a teacher, carer, social worker, QARO, independent visitor, advocate or your leaving care personal adviser if you are over 18.

If you would like to make a complaint, you can call the complaints team on 01305 225076 and speak to someone about it. You can also email complaints@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

If you want to share any thoughts or ideas about The Promise, you can get in touch with the Youth Voice Team by calling Kaye on 01305 228213 or you can email youthvoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.