le think that records should include ‘EVERYTHING’. It is important that someone is there with the young person when they read it. There is a very clear message that some children in care and care leavers do not want to see or know what is written in their files. Some feel that the ‘bad stuff’ shouldn’t be in their plans and that this could prevent care leavers accessing their records. “I don’t want to hear about my past and the bad stuff. I just want to know about the person I’m becoming” (care leaver) Children in care talk about information being age-appropriate and care leavers observe how things could be written down and recorded for discussions later in life, when the child or young person is ready. It is important to recognise that accessing records is a journey and not always a one-time request and experience. 6.5 Safe, secure and confidential record-keeping Overwhelmingly, children in care and care leavers feel it is important for written information about them to be kept safe and confidential. Some children in care say that they feel assured that information is kept safe and secure. A few say they understand the need for others to see it and read it. Children in care and care leavers commonly express concern about who sees information about them, and particular concerns are raised about teachers and school staff seeing recorded information. Many children in care feel that permission should be sought from them before it is shared, or that they should be informed about what information is being shared with whom. It’s important for children in care and care leavers to know where information is stored and how to access it. “As a kid all teachers knew I was in care. I didn’t know them so why should they see information about me?” (care leaver) “I am worried about who