Social services are worried about my parenting, what should I do?
09/07/2026
Hearing concerns about your parenting can feel upsetting. Focus on what social services want you to change.
Ask clear questions
Ask the social worker:
- What exactly are you worried about?
- What do you want me to do?
- What help will I receive?
- How will you decide if things have improved?
Ask for important information in writing.
Should I work with social services?
Ignoring calls or missing meetings is unlikely to help.
Attend meetings where you can. Tell them if you cannot attend.
You do not have to agree with everything. You can correct information you believe is wrong.
How can I show progress?
Keep a simple record of appointments, meetings and support you have completed.
Tell the social worker about safe relatives who could help.
Get legal advice immediately if they ask your child to live elsewhere, mention court or send a Pre Proceedings Letter.
Read next: Social services have contacted me about my child, what happens now?
Speak to Jannine Jenkins
If you have received a Pre Proceedings Letter and you are a parent or have parental responsibility, you can usually get free legal advice through legal aid.
Contact Jannine Jenkins and the JR Levins family team today on 0151 480 5777 or email family@jrlevins.co.uk.
