CHILDREN in care are being taught how to complain when they are not happy with their treatment.

Bolton's Social Services Department has been working closely with a group of young people in the town's Young People's Advice and Support Service (BYPASS).

Together they have produced a leaflet " Your Guide to Making a Complaint " so that young people have a better chance of getting their voices heard. The leaflet is specifically aimed at young people in care.

Social Services chairman, Cllr Ken Peters, explained: " It is hoped that they will find it useful as some of the young people involved in its production are in care or have been in care in the past."

The leaflet suggests that if they are not happy about some aspect of their care they should, first of all, speak to someone they trust such as their teacher, social worker, residential or key worker.

If they are still unhappy they can contact BYPASS. One of the services BYPASS provides is advocacy - an independant point of contact for young people in care for advice and support.

If they prefer, they can contact the social services department's complaints officer, Sandy Wood. The telephone number for BYPASS is Bolton (01204) 362002 and Sandy Wood's number is Bolton (01204) 522311 ext 7288.

Each leaflet also has a special tear-off section which can be filled in and posted free of charge to Social Services.

Copies of the leaflet are available at a large range of outlets including Social Services centres, youth clubs, libraries and doctors' surgeries.

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