FAQs

If you are about to go into a residential unit, you may be feeling scared.

Everybody feels like this at the start so try not to worry. A residential unit is a place that has a number of young people living there. The young people who are placed there are usually unhappy with foster placements for a number of reasons.

• They are used to a big family.

• They prefer to be with lots of young people.

• They are very attached to their family and cannot settle in a new family.

1. A residential unit is larger than a foster home.

2. There are more adults in a residential Unit, who are professional staff. They do not live in the home but work there on shifts.

3. In the home there is:

   • A big kitchen

   • A television room

   • A laundry room

   • Your own bedroom.

There may be set bed times, talk to your keyworker about this. They should give you a list of what is expected from you and what you can expect from them. It makes it nicer if you try to respect the home, the rules and the workers. In turn they will treat you with respect.

Family

• If it is safe for you, you will still see your family as you would in a foster placement.

School

• You will be supported to attend the same school. Staff should help out with things like books, uniforms and getting to school.

Meal times

• There are set meal times and the staff will make food for you. If you are hungry and would like a snack, ask the staff.

Your own room

• You will get your own room and toilet. You will be able to decorate your room yourself.

Pocket money

• You will get your own pocket money, depending on your age. As you get older, you will get help with budgeting.

Key worker

• One of the staff members will be your key worker. This person will work closely with you to help you get the most out of your time in residential care. He or she will be someone with whom you can talk if you need to ask for help. Your key worker is like a foster parent in Residential Units.

If you ever feel you would like to make a complaint while in a residential unit, just ask any of the staff about how you go about doing this. Often there is a box that you can put a complaint in.

See the section on 'Things aren't right - what can I do?' to see how to make a complaint to Sandwell Children's Services directly.

We hope this makes it easier for you when you first arrive. Remember, the staff are there to help you settle - do ask them if you need anything.