Telling the social worker about any family or friends who may be able to help is a good first step. Doing this as soon as possible is best.
A family group conference (FGC) can be a good way to find out how family and friends can help. A family group conference is a family-led decision-making meeting. It brings together the whole family, and others who are important to the child. Together, at the family group conference, they make a plan for the child.
Children’s services may suggest a family group conference takes place. But parents and carers can request this. See our Family group conference: advice for families page for information.
Where a child protection plan is in place, members of the wider family and friends network could be invited to come to the core group. The core group is a group of key practitioners and family members. Their role is to develop the outline plan made at the end of a child protection conference. More detailed information about Core groups is available here.