Important Documents
You’ll need official documents to prove your identity when applying for education courses, jobs, social benefits, or even opening a bank account.
Prior to your 18th birthday, your social worker will support you in getting your passport and birth certificate. The Care Leavers Team will support you in getting any other key documents you need. We will fund up to three forms of ID, which typically include a birth certificate, passport, and driving licence. If you’d like help with this or want to request funding, speak to your LCSO.
It’s your responsibility to keep your documents safe. We won’t cover the cost of replacements if they’re lost, so it’s important to store them securely. If you agree, we can keep copies of your documents safely on your record for reference.
You also have the right to access the information we hold about you, including records from your time in care. This is called a Subject Access Request. If you’d like to make one, your LCSO can help you complete the necessary forms. Before you turn 18, the Looked After Children’s team should provide you with a Later Life Letter, which explains your care journey and personal history.