Your views about the care system are incredibly important to me. I'd like to hear from people in care and those who have recently left, foster carers, and all those working with and for children and young people in the care system. I want you to let me and my officials know your thoughts about what works and what doesn’t, and the ideas you might have about changes that would make a difference, to you and others. I want to be able to find out what matters to you and people like you, so that I can make sure I'm putting all my efforts into the things that will make the most difference.

I won't be able to respond directly (so please don't include any personal or sensitive details), but I can assure you that your comments will be read and considered, and will help the Government make improvements to the care system in the future. I'll let you know what I'm doing to make sure the best ideas are shared and how we're tackling the biggest problems, so please visit the Children in care section of the Department for Education website where I will keep you updated.

If you are a child or young person in need of personal help or advice, please contact ChildLine on 0800 1111, where someone will be able to help you directly.

If you are unhappy with your care or decisions that have been made about you, you should make a complaint to your local authority. You are entitled to be supported by an advocate (an independent person) when making a complaint. If you contact the charity Voice on 0800 800 5792 they can arrange for an advocate to talk to you. You can also get advice from the Children's Rights Director on 0800 528 0731.

If you are an adult, the first place to go to if you have any worries about a child's safety or welfare is your local authority children's services. In addition you can call the NSPCC Child Protection helpline to discuss your concerns, or ask for advice by email. But if you think a child is at risk of immediate harm, please contact the police.

If you are a foster carer and you would like more information about fostering, please contact Fosterline on 0800 040 7675. Visit the Fosterline website for more information.

If you are the parent or relative of a child being cared for, or supported by, a local authority’s children’s service, and you would like to speak to someone directly for independent information and advice, you can contact the Family Rights Group on 0808 801 0366 or via their website.

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch. I look forward to reading your suggestions.