Children in Care Council (CiCC) and Care Experienced Forum (CEF)

 

The Children in Care Council (CiCC) and Care Experienced Forum (CEF) are groups of inspirational children and young people who are determined and committed to making a difference.

One thing they have in common is their experiences of being in care and their determination to make things better for children and young people that are cared for by the Central Bedfordshire Council.

The CiCC and CEF contribute to consultations, support recruitment of staff and training, and deliver presentations at various forums to improve the lives of children and young people in care locally, regionally and nationally.

Being a member is voluntary, you gain lots of new skills and valuable experiences that could help you achieve a place at college, university, or an apprenticeship.

The CiCC said they enjoy being part of the CiCC / CEF as it gives them a voice and the opportunity to have fun and influence change locally, regionally and nationally.

The CiCC and CEF meet up once a month and is made up of young people who live in foster care and residential homes, as well as young people who have left care.

CiCC looked after children aged between 12 and 17.

CEF care experienced young people aged between 18 and 25.

The CiCC and CEF work to promote the:

• views, values, voice, and opinions of looked after children (LAC) and young people
• support with decision making processes that affect those in care and care experienced children and young people.
• evaluate the services provided for them by Central Bedfordshire Council

We provide a safe space for in care and care experienced children and young people to be listened to and help to achieve positive change.

We work together to create a welcoming environment that encourages all to participate, share ideas and experiences.

We provide opportunities for children and young people to be asked their views, to be listened to and considered.

We'll promote, support, and respect your identity.

Our groups align to article 12 of UN convention on the rights of the child, that states that children and young people should have the right to ‘express their views’. Our voice and participation work is underpinned by the Lundy model of participation.

There are lots of benefits of being an active member of CiCC / CEF, you will be able to:

• share your experiences and influence change
• explore new opportunities and have fun
• gain new skills and experience
• build your self confidence
• meet new people and make friends

You can come along to our drop-in sessions to find out what we do. You’ll also:

• meet other care experienced young people and the participation team
• find out how you can influence change, whilst making friends and having fun
• learn about the corporate parenting process and how you can improve services for young people
• socialise in a safe, supportive environment, gain confidence and share new experiences

Who it's for: care experienced young people aged 16 and over

When: every Wednesday, from 4pm to 6pm

Where: The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH

No need to book: just turn up!

If you’re aged 12–17 and in care, CiCC is your space to have fun, meet new people, and share your views.

It’s a monthly youth group just for care-experienced young people. You’ll be able to:

• take part in activities like sports, games, art, music, and trips
• chill out, have food, and meet people your age
• share your views and help improve services for young people
• build confidence in a friendly and supportive space

There are incentives for attending, and it’s completely free to join. If you want to meet our workers first or ask questions before coming along, just get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

Email us at CiCC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Young people in CiCC / CEF say they enjoy it because:

• they get to have a voice
• their views are listened to
• they can make a difference
• have fun and make new friends
• sharing their journey and help others
• try out new opportunities and having fun

To find out more contact CiCC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk