How to contact us for advice

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Our advice service

Are you a parent, kinship carer relative or friend of a child who is involved with, or who needs the help of, children’s services in England? 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.

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By phone or email

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). Or you can ask us a question via email using our advice enquiry form.

Discuss on our forums

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.

Advice on our website

Our get help and advice section has template letters, advice sheets and resources about legal and social care processes. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, you can use our webchat service to chat online to an adviser.

 

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What is the impact of drug or alcohol misuse on children?

Substance misuse can affect children in different ways. A child’s:

  • Basic needs may be neglected by a parent who is misusing drugs or alcohol
  • Physical and mental health may be affected. Children can feel worried, anxious and upset that their parent or carer is drinking too much for example
  • School attendance may worsen. They may be worried about leaving their parent or carer alone. Or the child may not have the practical of emotional support to prepare for the school day
  • For more information and advice about how children’s services should work with and support young carers, see our frequently asked questions about Young carers
  • Own behaviours may become harmful. They may be vulnerable to experimenting with drugs or alcohol at an early age for example.
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