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.
Run by the Law Society, Find a Solicitor is a free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Website: https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
The Solicitors Register is a service for checking a solicitor or firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers across England and Wales.
CAFCASS is a public body set up to look after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. Works with the children and families and then advises the courts on the child’s best interests. The website has information for adults, children and for young people.
Website: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
Provides free over the phone legal advice information on debt, housing, employment, education and welfare benefits for people eligible for legal aid. Can put you in touch with local, legal advisers and solicitors; help with working out if you qualify for legal aid and give free advice if you qualify for legal aid.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice (which is the relevant page on https://www.gov.uk website). You can check if you are eligible for legal aid. If you are, you will find the helpline numbers. There is a free translation service and you can book a BSL interpreter.
Part of Coram Family group, the Children’s Legal Centre is concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. Many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation for children, their carers’ and professionals.
Website: https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com
The voice of local law centres which provide free independent advice and representation to disadvantaged people who live or work in their catchment area.
The LCN does not employ lawyers and is unable to give advice directly to the public but the site will help you find a law centre nearest to you.
Website: https://www.lawcentres.org.uk
Responsible for the Community Legal Service (CLS) and Criminal Defence Service legal advice schemes. See entry above for Community Legal Service.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency
Organisation of solicitors committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere in which family law matters are dealt with in a sensitive, constructive and cost-effective way. You can find a member in your area on their website.
Website: https://resolution.org.uk
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