If a parent to be has been in the care system themselves, does that mean children’s services must become involved with their child?

No. But children’s services may become involved with a family if they think their child and the family may need extra help and support. Or if they are worried a child may be at risk of harm following birth.

If a parent to be is about to leave the care system or has been or is being themselves supported by children’s services then it will be important for the baby’s social worker to look carefully at how any plans for the baby link with the parent’s own pathway plan.  A pathway plan is a personal plan for a young person who is getting ready to leave care. It aims to help them as they move to adulthood. The plan should set out what children’s services and other agencies will do to help the young person move towards independent living.

Our Young Parents Advice hub includes detailed examples and advice about how this should be done here. A checklist can be a good way of thinking through all of the different issues. Download this checklist to help think through some of the important things. The checklist may also help to get ready for talking things through with your child’s social worker and anyone else involved – such as a personal adviser or advocate.