How to contact us for advice
We provide advice to parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and kinship carers who are involved with children’s services in England or need their help. We can help you understand processes and options when social workers or courts are making decisions about your child’s welfare.
Our advice service is free, independent and confidential.
To speak to an adviser, please call our free and confidential advice line 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm, excluding Bank Holidays). For Textphone dial 18001 followed by the advice line number. Or you can ask us a question via email using our advice enquiry form.
Our online advice forums are an anonymous space where parents and kinship carers (also known as family and friends carers) can get legal and practical advice, build a support network and learn from other people’s experiences.
Our get help and advice section describes the processes that you and your family are likely to go through, so that you know what to expect. Our webchat service can help you find the information and advice on our website which will help you understand the law and your rights.
The first court hearing after children’s services apply to the court for a care order or supervision order. It should take place between 12 and 18 days after children’s services make the application to court.
If you are a parent of the child, you will be a ‘party’ to the proceedings. You will receive a copy of the court application and supporting documents. This will include the date, time and place of the case management hearing.
The court also is also likely to give directions for the assessment of family members as possible future carers of the child.
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