If you’re familiar with the term ‘looked after’ and find those words used to describe you, it will mean that you are in care, either with your local authority, in this case Sefton Council, or with a foster family.

You are in care because you can’t live with your own family, as your parents aren’t able to care for you or it is unsafe for you to live at home. There may be other reasons but these are usually the main ones.

As a young person in Sefton, it is the responsibility of Sefton Children’s Social Care to make sure that you are safe, have somewhere to live, are cared for in a stable environment and feel valued as an individual.

It’s Good to be MAD

A big part feeling valued is feeling like you have a voice and are listened to. In 2007 a group of young people in care and care leavers came together with the help of Sefton Council’s Corporate Parenting Board to create the MAD Group.

MAD stands for Making A Difference – the group is open to anyone age 14 years of age and over who is looked after or a care leaver.

The aim of MAD is to support all looked after children and care leavers to influence change in their lives, their communities and have a say on how local services are developed and delivered to them.

At the moment there are 20 young people signed up to the MAD Group, who regularly meet up to discuss issues they face, support each other and plan for events and projects they are involved in, such as Sefton Youth and the No Limits Challenge Awards for looked after children.

The MAD group also meet every three months with the Chief Executive of Sefton Council and the Strategic  Director of Children and Adult Social Care.

Support for Care Leavers

In Sefton, the Care Leavers Centre is there to help you make that jump to living independently. Based in Waterloo, they have a friendly, dedicated team who will give you advice and support to help make your transition to living on your own a smooth one.

More than a place that will help move from care to your own home, the staff at the Care Leavers Centre can also open doors to training opportunities and finding work to support yourself. They also give you lots of useful advice and support with your health, well-being and personal safety.

You can get in touch with Sefton Care Leavers Centre on 07932 433 010 or by email You can also Like their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter – you can contact them privately using either of these channels

Useful Info

As as young person in care or as a care leaver, the following documents are very useful and will help you

Financial Support

Who Cares Trust Factsheet 

Care Leavers Entitlements

Pathway Planning Factsheet

Assessment of Need Factsheet

Leaving Care Representations

Care Leaver Categories Factsheet

Personal Records

Useful websites 

BECOME is a charity for children in care and young care leavers. They provide help, support and advice to help you unleash your potential and take control of your life.

The Citizens Advice Bureau provide information and guidance about your rights as a looked-after child or young person. They can also help you with other issues such as housing, welfare benefits and legal matters.

The Children’s Legal Centre provides free representation, legal information, and advice to children, young people, their families, carers.