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Do you need to make a complaint

Young people's complaints.

A guide for young people


What can I do if I have a problem?

If you’ve got a problem with Children’s Social Care Services or if you’re unhappy about something that is happening to you, this can usually be sorted out by speaking to someone you trust like your social worker, keyworker or foster carer. But if they can’t put things right for you, then you can make a complaint.

What can I complain about?

There are lots of things you may want to complain about. Here are just a few examples:

  • If you are unhappy about the way you are treated by your carers, or any other people you live with
  • If you feel that nobody is listening to you
  • If decisions are made about you and you are not involved
  • If you are unhappy with what your social worker does
  • If other people are told things about you that they actually don’t need to know
  • If you are unhappy with the place you are living in
  • If your social worker doesn’t spend enough time with you

 How can I make a complaint?

  • You can write to Andy Bell, Children’s Complaints Officer at:
    Civic Centre 1, Little Park Street, Coventry, CV1 5RS
  • You can phone Andy on: 024 7683 3462.
  • You can e-mail: andrew.bell@coventry.gov.uk
  • You can text to: 07956853969.
  • You can talk to a Children’s Rights Officer who will help you make your complaint. Children’s Rights Officers make regular visits to the children’s homes in Coventry or you can ring them on: 0800 0272 118.


What happens next?

The Children’s Complaints Officer will contact you and talk through how your complaint will be looked into with you. If you need some help to get your complaint heard,we will ask someone to speak for you and explain your wishes and feelings. This person is called an advocate. If you prefer, you can arrange to be supported by a friend or a relative.

You will get an answer to your complaint usually within 28 days telling you what Children’s Social Care Services will be doing about it.

Always remember!

  • It is ok to complain
  • If you are unhappy with something it is ok to say so
  • We need to know what’s wrong before we can try to make it better
  • You don’t have to tell anyone that you are going to complain
  • There are no “comebacks”.

It’s your right!

Contact details

Andrew Bell
Children's Complaints Officer
Strategic Services,
Children, Learning and Young People's Directorate,
Coventry City Council,
Civic Centre 1, Little Park Street, Coventry, CV1 5RS
Tel: 024 7683 3462
Fax: 024 7683 2451
e-mail: andrew.bell@coventry.gov.uk

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