Keeping in touch with your birth and extended family
Family connections can shape who we are as people and who we become as we get older, especially through big moments in our lives. But families can also make us hurt and upset. What is most important is that, if you want to and if it is what’s best for you, you have the opportunity to speak to and see members of your family as you grow up.
While you are in care, wherever you are living, you have a right to be able to be in contact with your family members if you would like to.
Your social worker has a responsibility to work with you to identify who you want to see, whether you would like face-to-face, telephone or online contact, where you want to see them and how often. This can include siblings or people in your wider extended family (for example aunts, uncles and grandparents) who you haven’t seen for a while.
Seeing family is not always an easy thing to do though and sometimes it might not be like you expect. This is ok and natural. Your social worker will help you feel safe and comfortable. You can also talk about how you feel with your foster carers or support workers.
If you would prefer not to stay in contact with family members, you can always talk about this with your social worker at any time. They are there to support you and will do what’s best for you.
If you have lost touch with family who live overseas, then your social worker or PA can support you to trace them through International Family Tracing Services.
