A good way to do this is with a family group conference. This 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. A father doesn’t have to wait for children’s services to suggest this. They can ask for a family group conference to take place. See our Family group conference: advice for families page for more information.
If care proceedings have started, or about to start, fathers should discuss with their solicitor and child’s social worker who in the family might be able to support them as soon as possible. They should say who in the family might be able to offer care for the child if this help is needed. This could be short term care. Or it could be longer term if their child cannot return home.
Relatives who may be able to offer care for the child should share this information as soon as possible. How this can best and most quickly be done will depend on precise situation. Options include:
- Contacting the child’s social worker directly if their name is known. The child’s parent may be able to provide this information and contact information for the social worker
- Asking the parent(s) to let their solicitor or the child’s social worker know
- Contacting children’s services via phone, email, or letter. The contact information should be available on the local council website or from directory enquiries
- Contacting the children’s guardian or the child’s solicitor if their details are known
- Writing to the court dealing with the case – if the family members is aware of the details. Or if the situation is urgent and there is a court hearing about to take place, the family member can attend court themselves.
See our Kinship carers page for Information and advice about the different ways wider family and friends may raise children unable to live with their parents.