What we keep on record
When you've been in our care, we'll keep:
- care notes and other relevant documents
- records of review meetings
- relevant legal documents
- a record of the people you've had contact with
- decisions that have been made about your needs and plans
Why we keep this information on record
We need to keep a record of this information to:
- plan and provide services
- help staff with the information that they need to know
- plan further services if required
- maintain a record for future access
Records are also an account of the actions that we take, and they show how we comply with the law.
Access to records
In most cases, you can see all the information we hold about you. We'll share as much as possible. But there are circumstances where we may not release information for legal or practical reasons.
How to request access to your records
If you're a child or young person receiving services from us, you should talk to the social worker who knows you. Or you can ask the person caring for you for help.
To view your records, you can submit a Right of Access request:
What happens after you submit a request
Once we've located the file, it's prepared for release in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
In some cases, it may be helpful to have the assistance of a facilitator when reading the file - this service is free of charge.
You can also request an interpreter or ask for extra help if you have a disability.
When we cannot locate records
We try our best to find records. Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot locate files straight away. This could be due to the way the files were stored.
We're committed to providing access to the personal information we hold. We will not close down an application for access to records and will continue to search for them.
We'll do our best to provide the information within 40 working days of the request and keep you informed if the process is going to take longer.
If you do not agree with the information we hold
Your views will be recorded on the file.
How to complain
If you are not happy with the service you receive, you can make a complaint.
Find out how to make a complaint
Further information
For more information about accessing your records, please contact us on 020 8921 3055.