Missing from Care

Return Interviews


We understand that living in care can be difficult and frustrating. You may feel as though you can’t trust anyone, or like you have no one to talk to. If you live in Rochdale or Bradford and have been told that you have to attend a ‘Return to Care Interview,’ we can help.

We are a charity that can support you when you have run away from care. We are not social workers and we do not work for children’s services. We work independently from the council and the police. We are interested in making sure you are safe and happy.


What is a Return to Care Interview?

When you run away from care, it is the law that you must be offered a Return to Care interview when you are found.

This conversation is not carried out by children’s services or your care home. Instead, one of our Coordinators will talk to you about why you ran away. This is so that we can make sure you are safe and that any issues affecting you can be made better.

The most important thing to remember is that we work for you and only you and we can help if you are unhappy.

Download our Return to Care Interview booklet.

How can my Coordinator support me?

You can speak to your Coordinator openly about anything that is affecting you. Remember, they are independent from professionals and social services. They are only interested in keeping you safe and making sure that you have a say in how you are cared for.

Your Coordinator will try to understand why you have run away. They can then work with you to stop anything that is upsetting you. They can:

  • Support you to request a change of placement
  • Help you become involved in decisions about your care
  • Help you tell the right people what you want and how you feel
  • Refer you to other services, should you need them e.g. counselling, drug and alcohol, sexual health, (but only if you want them)
  • Provide you with helpful information and contacts should you run away again to keep you safe from harm

They may ask you about where you went and what you did when you ran away. Remember, we are only able to help you if you tell us what is wrong.

You can be completely honest with your Coordinator; they will not judge you.

Can I trust my Coordinator?

Of course. Our Coordinators are only interested in you and what you want. If you feel like no one is listening to you and what you want, they can help you.

Our Coordinators will fight to get your voice heard and make sure you get the opportunity to have your say in decisions that affect you. They will try to help you get the outcome you want.

Download our Children’s Privacy Notice.

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