This space is yours.
Welcome. However you are feeling right now — that is completely okay. This page is here to help you find information, support, and the people who care about you.
I'm new to Three Circles
Starting somewhere new can bring up a lot of feelings — excitement, worry, confusion, or maybe all three at once. That is completely normal. We have made guides for every age to help you understand where you are and what happens next.
This is your home
While you are here, your foster carer's home is your home too. You have your own space, you will be listened to, and there are lots of people here to support you. You do not have to figure everything out at once. Take your time.
Your welcome guides
Hello, Little One
A picture storybook to share with your foster carer. Full of warmth and simple, beautiful words.
Welcome to Three Circles
Activities, a dice game to play with your foster carer, your rights explained simply, and lots more.
Welcome to Three Circles
Who's who, your rights, how to share your views, events, important numbers, and loads more.
Part of the Circle
Your full guide — who's who, legal terms explained, care resources, rights, Connect, and more.
Arrived from another country?
We have a dedicated guide for unaccompanied young people (UASC). See the UASC section below, or ask your foster carer or social worker for a printed copy.
Questions you might be wondering about
Will I get pocket money?
Yes. Your carers will give you pocket money based on your age. Your social worker can tell you more.
Will I have my own room?
Yes — unless you are sharing with a brother or sister you already know and that works for everyone.
Can I see my friends?
Yes. Your carers and social worker will talk with you about this and make sure it works for you.
Will they understand my culture and religion?
Absolutely. Your carers will support you to practise your faith and celebrate the traditions that matter to you.
Will I go to school?
Yes. Your carers will help you get there and make sure you have everything you need to settle in.
Can I go online and use my phone?
Yes — your carers will talk with you about staying safe. Being safe online matters to us.
Know Your Rights
You have legal rights as a child in foster care. These are not just suggestions — adults are required to protect them. If you ever feel your rights are not being respected, you can talk to your advocate, your social worker, or Childline.
To be safe, cared for, and have food, clothes, and a home
To choose your own religion and beliefs
To know what is happening in your life and have a say in decisions about you
To choose your friends and join clubs or groups
To be healthy — including your mental health and feelings
To play, rest, and do the things you enjoy
To have an opinion and for adults to take it seriously
To have your own room (or share with your sibling)
To have a social worker who visits you regularly and listens to you
To get a good education and have a Personal Education Plan
To have an advocate who is on your side and speaks up for you
To see what has been written about you in your files
How Three Circles listens to you
Engagement Team contact
Someone from our Engagement Team will get in touch with you at least once a year to hear how things are going. You do not have to talk if you do not want to — that is always your choice.
Your views at reviews
Your wishes and feelings are shared at your care review (LAC Review). You can write them down, say them to someone, or fill in a form — whatever feels best for you.
You Said, We Did
We keep a record of what young people tell us and show what we did about it. Your ideas genuinely shape how Three Circles works — including this page.
💚 Health & Wellbeing Hub
However you are feeling, you are not alone. This hub is here to help you find support for your mind, your body, and everything in between — at your own pace, in your own time. There is no pressure to be okay when you are not.
What's on your mind right now?
I feel unsafe
If you are in danger, call 999 immediately. Childline is also here: 0800 1111, free and 24/7, any reason at all.
I need someone to listen
Childline is free, confidential, and available day or night. Call 0800 1111 or chat online — no need to give your name.
I'm worried about my mental health
YoungMinds has brilliant, honest information. You can also ask your carer or social worker to refer you to CAMHS (explained in the glossary below).
I need help online
Thinkuknow has advice on online safety, gaming, sexting worries, and what to do if something feels wrong online.
I want to understand my feelings
Feeling angry, confused, sad, or lonely is completely normal — especially when life changes a lot. YoungMinds can help you name and work through what you are feeling.
I want to stay healthy
The NHS Every Mind Matters site has tips on sleep, exercise, food, and mental health — all free and easy to read.
Simple things that can help when life feels hard
Talk to someone
Your carer, social worker, teacher, or Childline. Whoever feels safe. Talking genuinely helps.
Get moving
A walk, a dance, a kick-about — moving your body can lift your mood even a little bit.
Write it down
Doodling, journalling, or jotting notes can get worries out of your head. You never have to show anyone.
Take a break
Find somewhere quiet, breathe slowly, or do something you enjoy. Even 5 minutes can reset your mind.
Topics you might want to explore
Bullying
Bullying is never okay. Bullying UK has advice, or talk to a trusted adult at school or at home. You do not have to put up with it.
Identity and belonging
Who you are — your culture, background, language, and beliefs — matters. Three Circles wants to support all of those things.
What is CAMHS?
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These are NHS specialists who support young people with mental health. Ask your social worker, GP, or carer to refer you.
Sleep and routines
When things feel uncertain, routines and sleep help you feel more settled. Talk to your carer if you are finding it hard to sleep — there are things that can help.
Sexual health
Brook offers free, confidential advice on relationships and sexual health for people under 25.
Grief and missing people
Missing people you love — or things from before — is real and valid. You do not have to be "fine" all the time. Talk to someone you trust when you are ready.
People who can help with your health
- Your GP (doctor) — Your carers will register you with a local GP. You can see them about anything at all — physical or mental health.
- School nurse — Available at most schools and good for private, confidential conversations.
- CAMHS — Specialist mental health support for children and young people. Your social worker, GP, or carer can refer you.
- Childline — 0800 1111, free and 24/7, and you never have to give your name.
- Your advocate — If your health needs aren't being listened to, an advocate can help speak up for you. See Who's who.
Welcome — we are so glad you are here
If you have arrived in the UK alone, or been separated from the people you love, you have already shown incredible strength. This section is for you. You do not have to navigate this by yourself.
Your welcome guide
We have a welcome guide made especially for young people who have come to the UK without their family. Ask your foster carer or social worker for a printed copy, or download it below.
Download UASC Welcome Guide 📥You have the right to:
Help with language
You have the right to an interpreter at all meetings and appointments. If you do not understand what is being said, please ask someone to explain again. You can ask as many times as you need to. There is no limit.
Asylum and immigration
If you have questions or worries about your asylum or immigration situation, please speak to your social worker or legal representative. We are not legal advisers, but we will help connect you to the right support and make sure you are not left without help.
Education, health, and identity
You have the right to go to school, access healthcare, and to keep your identity — your language, culture, faith, and everything that makes you who you are. Your foster carer and social worker should actively support all of this.
Whatever brought you here, and whatever you have been through, you do not have to face it alone. Your foster carer, your social worker, and the Three Circles team are here to support you. This is your home while you are with us. We are glad you are here.
Children Who Foster
When someone new comes to live with your family, it can bring up a whole mix of feelings. All of those feelings are valid. Your voice matters too — just as much as everyone else's.
Your guide: Becoming a Foster Family
We have made a guide just for you — it covers what fostering is, how you fit in, feelings it's okay to have, your questions answered, and what Three Circles does for you too. Created with input from the Catalyst Team.
Download your guide 📥Things it's okay to feel
Questions worth thinking about
You are not responsible for looking after fostered children
Your parents or carers are the ones responsible for caring for children who come to live with you. You can be kind, be a friend, and share your space — but you do not have to solve anyone's problems or look after them. If anything worries you, please tell a trusted adult. And remember: your needs matter just as much as anyone else's in your home.
💡 Catalyst is for you too. Did you know our youth group is open to children who foster as well as fostered young people? Find out more about Catalyst.
Events & Activities
There is loads to do at Three Circles — and we are always planning something new. If there is something you would love to do, tell us. We keep a "You Said, We Did" list to show how young people's ideas turn into real events.
Family Events
We run events throughout the year for you and your foster family — Christmas parties, ice skating, roller disco, trampolining, water parks, climbing, and more. Ask the Engagement Team what's coming up next!
Adventure Activities
Love the outdoors? We run adventure days including kayaking, hiking, and lake activities. Brilliant for trying new things and meeting other young people in Three Circles.
Support Work Sessions
You might have a support worker who spends time with you one-to-one — helping you build confidence, try new things, and feel good. Sessions can include trips out, cooking, crafts, and much more.
What's coming up?
Check our latest events — or suggest one of your own! Young people's ideas have become real events before, and yours could too.
See upcoming events →🌱 Catalyst — Where Change Begins
Catalyst is our youth group where you can shape how Three Circles works — for real. You meet online every six weeks, have your say on decisions, and actually make a difference. Both fostered young people and children who foster are welcome and encouraged to join.
Have your say on real decisions
Give feedback on how Three Circles communicates, what we should do differently, what young people actually need. Your input shapes decisions that affect everyone.
Help interview new staff
Catalyst members help interview and train new Three Circles staff. Young people's perspectives genuinely influence who comes to work with you.
Shape things beyond your own story
This page was shaped by Catalyst feedback. The welcome guides, the events, the way we communicate — all informed by young people just like you.
🚀 Connect — Your Group, Your Space
Connect is Three Circles' face-to-face group for secondary age young people. It's a space to meet others in foster care, try new things, build friendships, and have fun — shaped by what you and your peers actually want to do.
Meet others like you
Connect is a chance to spend time with other young people in foster care — people who get it, without having to explain everything.
Led by your ideas
Activities are shaped by what you want to do — from trips and cooking to creative projects, sports, and days out.
AQA Award Scheme
You can earn AQA Unit Award certificates through Connect — real, recognised qualifications that go on your CV and celebrate what you've achieved.
Your voice matters
Connect is a space where what you think genuinely counts. Your ideas and feedback shape the group and feed back into how Three Circles works.
Wellbeing and fun
Not every session has to be serious. Connect is also just a place to relax, laugh, and spend time with people who are on your side.
Build confidence
Try new things in a safe, relaxed setting. Whether you're quietly building skills or ready to take the lead — Connect works at your pace.
From 16 — Rights, Independence and Your Pathway Plan
When you turn 16, Connect also covers your rights and entitlements as a young person preparing to leave care. Around your 16th birthday you will get a Pathway Plan — a legal document setting out how your council will support you. You can also access the Stepladder Programme (earn £750 into your ISA), WJEC Eduqas qualifications, housing and budgeting support, CV and work skills, and guidance on care leaver entitlements. Talk to your engagement worker to find out more.
Useful websites
These organisations offer extra support, information, and advice. Ask a trusted adult to help you if you are not sure about anything you find online.
Who's who?
There are quite a few people involved in your care, and it can feel confusing at first. Here is a simple guide to who everyone is and what they do for you.
🏠 Foster Carer
The person (or people) you live with. They look after you day-to-day, listen to you, celebrate your achievements, and help you enjoy life. Their home is your home while you are there.
👩💼 Social Worker
Your social worker works for your local council. They visit you at least every 6 weeks, spend time with you alone, and make sure you are safe and happy. They write your care plan. If you are ever unsure about what is happening, they are a great person to ask.
📋 Supervising Social Worker
This is Three Circles' social worker for your foster carer. They visit the home regularly to make sure your carer is doing a great job and that everything is going well for you.
🔄 Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Your IRO runs your care review meetings (LAC Reviews), which happen every few months. They make sure your care plan is working for you and that your voice is genuinely heard. They are independent — they work for you, not just for the system.
🦺 Advocate
An advocate is completely on your side. If you feel like you are not being heard, an advocate can speak up for you in meetings. You can ask for one at any time. Contact Coram Voice (0808 800 5792) or NYAS (0808 808 1001).
🌟 Engagement Team
Three Circles' team who plan fun events, listen to your views, help you understand your rights, run Catalyst and Connect, and make sure what you say reaches the right people.
🏖️ Respite Carer
Sometimes you might have a short stay with a different foster family — to give you and your usual carer a little break. This is called respite and it is completely normal.
👫 Independent Visitor
If you do not have regular contact with your family, the law says you can have an Independent Visitor. They are a volunteer who spends time with you just to be a friendly, trusted person — going to the cinema, chatting, having fun. No agenda, no pressure.
👨⚖️ Judge & Children's Guardian
If your situation goes to a family court, a judge listens to everyone and makes decisions to keep you safe. A children's guardian is there to keep the court focused on what is best specifically for you.
Ofsted — an independent check on Three Circles
Ofsted inspects fostering agencies like Three Circles to make sure we are doing a good job. You can contact them directly if you want to raise something. Tel: 0300 123 1231 | Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk | Our Ofsted number: SC443768
📖 Foster care words explained
Adults sometimes use words that are confusing or hard to understand. Here are simple explanations. Tap any word to read its definition. And remember — you can always ask someone to explain again. That is your right.
Foster carer
Social worker
Supervising social worker
Advocate
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Care review (LAC Review)
Care plan
Care order
CAMHS
GP (your doctor)
School nurse
Childline
Ofsted
Judge
Children's guardian
Legal representative
Independent visitor
UASC
Asylum
Interpreter
Health assessment
Pathway plan
PEP meeting
Getting urgent support
If you are worried, scared, or feel unsafe — you do not have to manage alone. There are people you can reach at any time of the day or night. It does not matter what the problem is.
Free, 24/7, confidential. For any child or young person. You can also chat online at childline.org.uk without calling.
Call to speak to someone from our team. Ask for the Engagement Team — they will help you.
Free advice and support any time of day or night, for children and young people.
Free, independent support for children in care and care leavers under 25. Run by the Children's Commissioner.
Free advocacy and support for children and young people in care.
To raise a concern about Three Circles or your foster care directly with the regulator.
Not sure if what's happening is wrong?
If something does not feel right, trust that feeling. You can talk to your foster carer, social worker, teacher, advocate, or Childline. You will not get into trouble for asking questions or speaking up. The adults around you are there to help — and if one person does not listen, there are others who will. You do not have to just put up with something that feels wrong.
We are glad you are here.
At Three Circles, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, cared for, and valued. Our carers and team work together to support you, listen to you, and help you grow, learn, and enjoy new experiences.
You are an important part of our Three Circles family. Whatever you are going through, you do not have to face it alone. We are here.