Social services have contacted me about my child. What happens now?

Being contacted by social services can feel frightening. It does not always mean your child will be taken away.

Why have they contacted me?

Someone may have raised a concern about your child. This could be a school, doctor, police officer or family member.

A social worker may:

• speak to you and your child;
• visit your home;
• contact your child’s school or doctor;
• decide whether your family needs support.

Ask them to explain clearly what they are worried about.

What should I do?

Try to stay calm and attend any meetings.

Keep all letters, messages and emails. Write down the social worker’s name and number.

You can disagree with something while still working with social services.

Get legal advice quickly if they:

• mention removing your child;
• ask your child to live somewhere else;
• mention court;
• send you a Letter Before Proceedings (a pre proceedings letter)

Tell the social worker if you struggle to read, understand information or attend meetings without support.

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.