Information for foster carers and professionals
In this section we have put together some useful links to information and support for Foster Carers and Professionals looking after children in care and care leavers, to help you support their health.
You can also take a look at the information in the age appropriate health sections for more information.
Information about living in care
My Health Assessment is an interactive tool to explain to children aged 5-11 years about their Initial Health Assessment appointment.
Mental health
- Resources for families, carers and professionals | NHS
- Looking after your child’s mental health - spot the signs
- A guide to language for mental health
- Resources - Beacon House Therapeutic Services & Trauma Team
- MindEd Hub
- Guide for Carers & Professionals - where to find help
- Grief Support Guide for Carers, Children & Young People
- Hub of Hope - Directory of services in Sussex
- The Osborne Trust - supporting children during a parent / carers cancer treatment
- Young Minds Parent & Carer free Helpline: 0808 8025544
Podcast: Have a listen to this NSPCC podcast on Mental Health first aid kits and supporting a child or young person waiting for an appointment with mental health services:
Sleep
- Parents and carers - Teen Sleep Hub
- Sleep and young children - NHS
- Healthy Sleep :: Healthier Together
Health conditions and transition into Adult Services
- What to expect when your child moves into adult diabetes care | Diabetes UK
- Diabetes information for carers | DigiBete
- Information for parents | Epilepsy Society
- Parents and children | Epilepsy Action
Care Leavers aged 18-25 years old are entitled to free pre-paid prescriptions if they meet the following criteria:
- Be registered with a GP
- Be a Care Leaver and eligible to receive a leaving care service from a local authority
- Be under 25 years old
- Not already exempt from prescription charges
To apply for a pre-payment prescription certificate, contact your local leaving care team.
Healthy living
- Health for Kids
- Physical activity guidelines for children and young people - NHS
- Talking to children about weight
- Waves Weight Management Clinic (Sussex)
- Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Children - Bladder & Bowel UK
- Healthier Families - Home
- How to find an NHS dentist - NHS
- Taking care of children’s teeth - NHS
- Eye tests for children - NHS
Accessing health advice and treatment
When you need advice or treatment for health concerns, how do you know which health service to access? Take a look at the NHS services website to find out.
Watch the video below to find out more about what Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Services can provide:
Immunisations
- Sussex
- Immunisation Service for Children and Young People
- To speak to a member of the team call your local team on 01273 696011:
- Brighton ext 3789
- Chichester ext 8100
- Crawley ext 2043
- Heathfield ext 2080
- Uckfield ext 4931
- Worthing ext 8533
- Or contact them via email: SC-TR.Imms-team@nhs.net
- Surrey
Gender identity
- Gender Identity & Mental Health | Guide For Parents / Carers | YoungMinds
- Guidance & Advice for Parents / Carers - Gendered Intelligence
Useful information
Trauma Informed practice and approach
- Language that cares | TactCare
- Video and info resources | UK Trauma Council
- Start Talking - a relationships and sex education guide for foster carers
- Refugee & Asylum Seeker Myth Busters | The Children’s Society
Safeguarding children in care and care leavers
- Keeping children safe away from home | NSPCC
- Missing People, Exploitation & County Lines - Advice for Carers & Parents
- Hastings Young Peoples Service - Homeless Prevention
- Child sexual exploitation and how to keep your child safe | NSPCC
- CEOP Education
- Different forms of child exploitation | The Children’s Society
- Advice for parents & carers | FRANK