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136 <h1>
136 Family and Friends Care
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 RELATED GUIDANCE
142 </p>
143 <p>
143 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-act-1989-family-and-friends-care
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
143 Children Act 1989: Family and Friends Care
143 </a>
143 : Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities about family and friends providing care for
children who cannot live with their parents.
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 <a
href="https://www.frg.org.uk/involving-families/family-and-friends-carers/assessment-tool
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
144 Family Rights Group, Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment
144 </a>
144 : A Good Practice Guide outlines what a viability assessment for family and friend carers
should look like, what social workers should consider and how to undertake international
assessments.
144 </p>
145 <p>
145 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-someone-elses-child" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
145 Looking After Someone Else's Child
145 </a>
145 : Government advice on the support and financial help you can get if someone else's child is
living with you full time.
145 </p>
146 <p class="bold">
146 AMENDMENT
146 </p>
147 This chapter was updated in February 2020.
147 </div>
154 <div class="section">
154 <h2 id="intro">
154 1. Introduction
154 </h2>
155 <p>
155 Children may be brought up by members of their extended families, friends or other people
who are connected with them for a variety of reasons and in a variety of different
arrangements.
155 </p>
156 <p>
156 This policy sets out the local authority's approach towards promoting and supporting the
needs of such children and covers the assessments which will be carried out to determine the
services required and how such services will then be provided.
156 </p>
157 <p>
157 The manager with overall responsibility for this policy is Sharon Cooper, Head of Service
Children in Care and Care Leavers.
157 </p>
158 <p>
158 This policy will be regularly reviewed, and made freely and widely available.
158 </p>
159 </div>
160 <div class="section1">
160 </div>
166 <div class="section">
166 <h2 id="values">
166 2. Values and Principles
166 </h2>
167 <p>
167 Consideration of children's welfare and best interests will always be at the centre of the
work we do.
167 </p>
168 <p>
168 It is an underlying principle that children should be enabled to live within their families
unless this is not consistent with their welfare. We will therefore work to maintain
children within their own families, and facilitate services to support any such
arrangements, wherever this is consistent with the child's safety and well-being. This
principle applies to all Children in Need, including those who are Children in Care. Where a
child cannot live within their immediate family and the local authority is considering the
need to look after the child, we will make strenuous efforts to identify potential carers
within the child's network of family or friends who are able and willing to care for the
child.
168 </p>
169 <p>
169 We will provide support for any such arrangements based on the assessed needs of the child,
not simply on their legal status, and will seek to ensure that family and friends carers are
provided with support to ensure that children do not become Children in Care, or do not have
to remain Children in Care longer than is needed. We will provide support and training in
ways that are appropriate and encouraging for family and friends carers.
169 </p>
170 <p>
170 We will provide support and training in ways that are appropriate and encouraging for family
and friends carers.
170 </p>
171 </div>
172 <div class="section1">
172 </div>
178 <div class="section">
178 <h2 id="legal">
178 3. Legal Framework
178 </h2>
179 <p>
179 Warrington Borough Council has a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of
Children in Need* living within its area and to promote the upbringing of such children by
their families. The way in which we fulfil this duty is by providing a range and level of
services appropriate to those children's assessed needs (Section 17, Children Act 1989).
This can include financial, practical or other support.
179 </p>
180 It is important to note that the local authority does not have a general duty to assess all
arrangements where children are living with their wider family or friends network rather than
their parents but it does have a duty where it appears that services may be necessary to
safeguard or promote the welfare of a Child in Need.
181 <p class="tiny_text">
181 *A Child in Need is defined in Section 17(10) of the Children Act 1989 as a child who is
disabled or who is unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or
development without the provision of services by the local authority.
181 </p>
182 <p>
182 To meet the threshold for support to friends and family carers of Children in Need to
prevent the child becoming a Child in Care; the following conditions must be met:
182 </p>
183 <ul>
184 <li>
184 The child lives within the area of the local authority;
184 </li>
185 <li>
185 The child is a Child in Need within the definition of the Children Act 1989;
185 </li>
186 <li>
186 If friends and family carers were not available or had not offered to provide care of
their own volition the child would be at risk of becoming a Child in Care with the local
authority;
187 </li>
188 <li>
188 The child's parents or person with parental responsibility are prevented from providing
suitable accommodation or care within the meaning of section 20 of the Children Act 1989;
188 </li>
189 <li>
189 The child is not a privately fostered child. If this is the case then the
189 <a href="p_private_fost.html">
189 Private Fostering Procedure
189 </a>
189 must be followed;
189 </li>
190 <li>
190 The child is either living with a close family member, wider family member or friend or
there is a plan to make such an arrangement;
190 </li>
191 <li>
191 The relevant social work manager agrees with the findings of the combined assessment that
support should be provided.
191 </li>
192 </ul>
193 <p>
193 To clarify the children who may come within the definition of Children in Need, the local
authority has drawn up a 'Thresholds to Children's Social Care Services' document, which is
available through the Council's website.
193 </p>
194 <p>
194 Children in Need may live with members of their family or friends in a variety of different
legal arrangements, some formal and some informal. Different court orders are available to
formalise these arrangements.
194 </p>
195 <p>
195 Children in Care will always come within the definition of Children in Need, whether they
are accommodated under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (with parental consent) or in
care subject to a Court Order whereby the local authority shares parental responsibility for
the child. The local authority has a responsibility wherever possible to make arrangements
for a Child in Care to live with a member of the family (Section 22 of the Children Act
1989).
195 </p>
196 <p>
196 For a detailed summary of the meaning and implications of different legal situations, the
rights of carers and parents, and the nature of decisions which family and friends carers
will be able to make in relation to the child, please see
196 <a href="files/care_someone_else_ch.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
196 Annex A: Caring for Somebody Else's Child - Options
196 </a>
196 .
196 <a href="#diff">
196 Section 4, Different Situations whereby Children may be Living with Family and Friend
Carers
196 </a>
196 , which sets out the local authority's powers and duties in relation to the various options.
196 </p>
197 <p>
197 In relation to financial support, the local authority may provide carers of Children in Need
with such support on a regular or one-off basis, under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989.
This may include discretionary funding based upon a financial means test. However, the
status of the placement will determine the nature and amount of the financial support and
who can authorise its payment. The legal status of the child may have a bearing on the
levels of financial support which may be available to carers, however. There are different
legislative provisions which apply to financial support for children living with family or
friends in Children in Care /adoption/special guardianship/Child Arrangements Order
arrangements. The following sections of this policy set out the financial support that we
may provide to family and friends who are caring for children in these different contexts.
197 </p>
198 </div>
199 <div class="section1">
199 </div>
205 <div class="section">
205 <h2 id="diff">
205 4. Different Situations whereby Children may be Living with Family and Friends Carers
205 </h2>
206 <h3>
206 4.1 Informal family and friends care arrangements
206 </h3>
207 <p>
207 Where a child cannot be cared for within their immediate family, the family may make their
own arrangements to care for the child within the family and friends network.
207 </p>
208 <p>
208 The local authority does not have a duty to assess any such informal family and friends care
arrangements, unless it appears to the authority that services may be necessary to safeguard
or promote the welfare of a Child in Need. In such cases, the local authority has a
responsibility under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 to assess the child's needs and
provide services to meet any assessed needs of the child. Following assessment, a Child in
Need Plan will be drawn up and a package of support will be identified. This can comprise a
variety of different types of services and support, including financial support.
208 </p>
209 <p>
209 Parental responsibility remains with the birth parents, but the carer may do what is
reasonable to safeguard or promote the child's welfare.
209 </p>
210 <p>
210 In exceptional circumstances, the local authority can provide minimal, one off or very time
limited financial assistance under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This may be
available to support extended family members or family friends care for children at a time
of crisis, or to meet a special need on the part of the child and as such prevent the child
or young person from becoming a Child in the Care of the local authority.
210 </p>
211 <p>
211 All financial support is given with the aim of setting up an arrangement that is
self-sustaining in the longer term. The local authority may be approached after all other
efforts to obtain financial assistance have failed. Friends and family carers will be
encouraged to seek assistance from established mechanisms such as through the benefits
agency, charitable trusts or organisations and the wider network of family for assistance.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 Almost all financial arrangements made by the local authority under section 17 are
occasional one off payments, or cease once child benefits are received by the applicant. In
exceptional cases where an agreement is made to provide regular financial support to prevent
a child becoming a child in care, frequent reviews will take place to re-assess the
child's needs and eligibility for financial support.
212 </p>
213 <h3>
213 4.2 Private fostering arrangements
213 </h3>
214 <p>
214 A privately fostered child is a child under 16 (or 18 if disabled) who is cared for by an
adult who is not a parent or close relative, where the child is to be cared for in that home
for 28 days or more. Close relative is defined as 'a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or
aunt (whether of the full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership) or
step-parent.' It does not include a Child in Care. In a private fostering arrangement, the
parent still holds parental responsibility and agrees the decision-making arrangements with
the private foster carer.
214 </p>
215 <p>
215 The local authority has a duty to assess and monitor the welfare of all privately fostered
children and the way in which they carry out these duties is set out in the Children
(Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005. However, the local authority may also
become involved with a child in a private fostering arrangement where the child comes within
the definition of a Child in Need. In such cases, the local authority has a responsibility
to provide services to meet the assessed needs of the child under Section 17 of the Children
Act 1989. Following assessment, a Child in Need Plan will be drawn up and a package of
support will be identified. As in 4.1 above, this can comprise a variety of different types
of services and support, including financial support.
215 </p>
216 <h3>
216 4.3 Family and friends foster carers – 'Connected Persons'
216 </h3>
217 <p>
217 In relation to a Child in Care, we have a responsibility wherever possible to make
arrangements for the child to live with a member of the family who is approved as a foster
carer (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989). The child can be placed with the family members
prior to such approval, subject to an assessment of the placement, for up to 16 weeks. This
temporary approval can only be extended in exceptional circumstances; Family, Friends and
Connected Carers are approved under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations
(England) 2010 – inclusive of subsequent amends in 2014 - and the Fostering Regulations
(2011 and amends 2013). In this context the carer is referred to as a Connected Person and
the process of obtaining approval for the placement is set out in the
217 <a href="p_place_conn_pers.html">
217 Placement with Connected Persons Procedure
217 </a>
217 . Where temporary approval is given to such a placement under the procedure, the carers will
receive financial support on a regular basis. This may cover placements at very short
notice.
217 </p>
218 <p>
218 A connected person will receive the basic fostering allowance while the child is in
placement with them and within the assessment. Thereafter if the carers continue to be
approved foster carers, they will have access to training to improve their skill base and
would be reviewed on an annual basis for their approval status and for a review of their
fostering payment against the fostering allowance guide.
218 </p>
219 <p>
219 In addition the child will have a placement plan which sets out the specific arrangements
surrounding the child and the carers including the expectations of the foster carers and the
support they can expect to receive to enable to fulfil their responsibilities for the child.
219 </p>
220 <p>
220 The assessment and approval process for family and friends who apply to be foster carers for
a specific Child in Care will be the same as for any other foster carer except that the
timescales for the assessment are different where a child is already in the placement as
indicated above. In all other respects the process is the same as for any other potential
foster carers and is set out in the
220 <a href="p_ass_app_fost.html">
220 Assessment and Approval of Foster Carer Procedure
220 </a>
220 . An information pack will be available to potential foster carers about the process and
they will be given the name and contact details of the social worker from the Fostering
Service allocated to carry out the assessment.
220 </p>
221 <p>
221 Once approved as foster carers (inclusive of temporarily approved under Regulation 24), they
will be allocated a supervising social worker from the fostering service to provide them
with support and supervision; and they will receive fostering allowances for as long as they
care for the child as a foster carer.
221 </p>
222 <p>
222 While the child remains in Care, as a foster carer, they will be expected to cooperate with
all the processes that are in place to ensure that the child receives appropriate care and
support, for example, contributing to reviews of the child's Care Plan, cooperating with the
child's social worker and promoting the child's education and health needs.
222 </p>
223 <p>
223 Authority for day-to-day decision making about the child should be delegated to the
carer(s), unless there is a valid reason not to do so.
223 </p>
224 <h3>
224 4.4 Child Arrangements Order
224 </h3>
225 <p>
225 A Child Arrangements Order is a Court Order which sets out the arrangements as to when and
with whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact.
225 </p>
226 <p>
226 These orders replace the previous Contact Orders and Residence Orders.
226 </p>
227 <p>
227 A Child Arrangements Order may give parental responsibility to the person in whose favour it
is made. Parental responsibility is shared with the parents.
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 Authority for day-to-day decision making about the child should be delegated to the
carer(s), unless there is a valid reason not to do so.
228 </p>
229 <p>
229 Child Arrangements Orders may be made in private family proceedings in which the local
authority is not a party nor involved in any way in the arrangements. However, a Child
Arrangements Order in favour of a relative or foster carer (who was a 'Connected Person')
with whom a child is placed may be an appropriate outcome as part of a Permanence Plan for a
Child in Need or a Child in Care.
229 </p>
230 <p>
230 The local authority may pay Child Arrangements Order Allowances to relatives or friends,
unless they are a spouse or civil partner of a parent, with whom a child is living under a
Child Arrangements Order. This is set out in paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 of the Children Act
1989, however this is discretionary.
230 </p>
231 <h3>
231 4.5 Special Guardianship Order
231 </h3>
232 <p>
232 Special Guardianship offers a further option for children needing permanent care outside
their birth family. It can offer greater security without absolute severance from the birth
family as in adoption.
232 </p>
233 <p>
233 Relatives may apply for a Special Guardianship Order after caring for the child for 1 year.
As Special Guardians, they will have parental responsibility for the child which, while it
is still shared with the parents, can be exercised with greater autonomy on day-to-day
matters than where there is a Child Arrangements Order.
233 </p>
234 <p>
234 Special Guardianship Orders may be made in private family proceedings and the local
authority may not be a party to any such arrangements. However, often a Special Guardianship
Order in favour of a relative or foster carer (who was a 'Connected Person') with whom a
child is living may be an appropriate outcome as part of a permanence plan for a Child in
Need or a Child in Care.
234 </p>
235 <p>
235 Where the child was in Care immediately prior to the making of the Special Guardianship
Order, the local authority has a responsibility to assess the support needs of the child,
parents and Special Guardians, including the need for financial support.
235 </p>
236 <h3>
236 4.6 Adoption Order
236 </h3>
237 <p>
237 Adoption is the process by which all parental rights and responsibilities for a child are
permanently transferred to an adoptive parent by a court. As a result the child legally
becomes part of the adoptive family.
237 </p>
238 <p>
238 An Adoption Order in favour of a relative or foster carer (who was a 'Connected Person')
with whom a child is living may be an appropriate outcome as part of a permanence plan for a
Child in Need or a Child in Care.
238 </p>
239 <p>
239 Local authorities must make arrangements, as part of their adoption service, for the
provision of a range of adoption support services. They then have to undertake assessments
of the need for adoption support services at the request of the adopted child, adoptive
parents and their families, as well as birth relatives. The support required is then set out
in an Adoption Support Plan and this may include financial support.
239 </p>
240 </div>
241 <div class="section1">
241 </div>
247 <div class="section">
248 <h2 id="principles">
248 5. Provision of Financial Support - General Principles
248 </h2>
249 <p>
249 There are four categories of payment, which may be considered. One or more of these may be
applicable, depending on the particular circumstances of the case and whether the child is a
Child in Need or a Child in Care and cared for by a Family and Friends foster carer.
249 </p>
250 <ol>
251 <li>
251 <span class="bold">
251 Subsistence crisis (one-off) payments
251 </span>
251 <br />
252 <br />
253 These should be used to overcome a crisis, following the best assessment that can be
achieved in the circumstances;
253 <br>
254 <br>
255 </li>
256 <li>
256 <span class="bold">
256 Setting-up
256 </span>
256 <br />
257 <br />
258 These are for such items as clothing, furniture, or bedding. The social worker must be
satisfied that the carers' financial position justifies the payment through a financial
assessment. Assistance may be given subject to conditions, including repayment in certain
situations. However, in most situations, it will be inappropriate for the Department to
seek to recover money provided under these circumstances;
258 <br>
259 <br>
260 </li>
261 <li>
261 <span class="bold">
261 Foster Care Allowance
261 </span>
261 – Where a Connected Person is approved as a carer for the child, they will initially be
paid the level 1 Foster Care Allowance. An approved Foster Carer will be paid an
appropriate age related fostering allowance;
261 <br>
262 <br>
263 </li>
264 <li>
264 <span class="bold">
264 Weekly living contribution
264 </span>
264 <br />
265 <br />
266 It is possible for the local authority to make regular payments where family members or
friends care for a child whether or not the child is not a Child in Care. Where regular
payments are to be made, relative carers should be assisted to maximise their
Income/Benefit as regular payments may adversely affect an individual's claim to income
support.
266 <br />
267 <br />
268 In all cases where regular financial support is agreed, a written agreement will be drawn
up detailing the level and duration of the financial support that is to be provided, and
the mechanism for review.
268 </li>
269 </ol>
270 <p>
270 The following criteria will be applied to all such payments:
270 </p>
271 <ul>
272 <li>
272 The purpose of the payments must be to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child;
272 </li>
273 <li>
273 As part of the assessment, a view should be taken as to whether the carers need financial
support based on their reasonable requirements in taking on the care of the child;
273 </li>
274 <li>
274 There are no other legitimate sources of finance;
274 </li>
275 <li>
275 Payments will be paid to the carer, not the parents;
275 </li>
276 <li>
276 The payment would not place any person in a fraudulent position.
276 </li>
277 </ul>
278 </div>
279 <div class="section1">
279 </div>
285 <div class="section">
285 <h2 id="accomm">
285 6. Accommodation
285 </h2>
286 <p>
286 The authority works with landlords to ensure that, whenever possible, family and friends
carers living in social housing are given appropriate priority to move to more suitable
accommodation if this will prevent the need for a child to become a Child in Care.
286 </p>
287 </div>
288 <div class="section1">
288 </div>
294 <div class="section">
294 <h2 id="supp_con">
294 7. Supporting Contact with Parents
294 </h2>
295 <p>
295 The authority is under a duty to promote contact for all Children in Need, although this
differs depending on whether or not the child is in Care.
295 </p>
296 <p>
296 Where the child is not a Child in Care, we are required to promote contact between the child
and their family 'where it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard and promote their
welfare'. As part of the support arrangements, it may be identified that specific assistance
is required to ensure that any such contact can be managed safely. If necessary, information
will be made available to family and friends carers about local contact centres and family
mediation services, and how to make use of their services.
296 </p>
297 <p>
297 Where a child is in Care, we are required to endeavour to promote contact between the child
and their family 'unless it is not practicable or consistent with the child's welfare'. The
overall objective of the contact arrangements will be included in the child's Care Plan and
the specific arrangements will be set out in the child's Placement Plan - see
297 <a href="p_contact_parents.html">
297 Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings Procedure
297 </a>
297 .
297 </p>
298 </div>
299 <div class="section1">
299 </div>
305 <div class="section">
305 <h2 id="fgc">
305 8. Family Group Conferences
305 </h2>
306 <p>
306 Family Group Conferences are meetings held between professionals and family members, which
aim to achieve the best outcomes for children. They promote the involvement of the wider
family to achieve a resolution of difficulties for Children in Need, and may help to
identify short-term and/or permanent solutions for children within the family network.
306 </p>
307 <p>
307 We will offer a Family Group Conference or other form of family meeting at an early stage.
If a child becomes a Child in Care, perhaps following an emergency, without a Family Group
Conference having been held, then (where appropriate) we will arrange one as soon as
possible.
307 </p>
308 </div>
309 <div class="section1">
309 </div>
315 <div class="section">
315 <h2 id="complaints">
315 9. Complaints Procedure
315 </h2>
316 <p>
316 Where a family or friends carer is not satisfied with the level of support provided to
enable them to care for the child, then they have access to the local authority's complaints
process. Our aim would be to resolve any such dissatisfaction without the need for a formal
investigation but where an informal resolution is not possible, then a formal investigation
will be arranged.
316 </p>
317 <p>
317 The timescales and process are set out in the
317 <a href="p_reps_complaints.html">
317 Complaints and Representations Procedure
317 </a>
317 .
317 </p>
318 </div>
319 <div class="section1">
319 </div>
325 <div class="section">
326 <h2>
326 Annex A: Caring for Somebody Else's Child - Options
326 </h2>
327 <p>
327 <a href="files/care_someone_else_ch.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
327 Click here to view Annex A: Caring for Somebody Else's Child - Options
327 </a>
327 .
327 </p>
328 </div>
329 <div class="section1">
329 </div>
335 <div class="section">
336 <h2>
336 Annex B: Local Sources of Information
336 </h2>
337 <p >
337 See also:
337 <a
href="https://askollie.warrington.gov.uk/localoffer/site/scripts/directory_record.php?record
ID=1762" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
337 Warrington Families Information Service
337 </a>
337 .
337 </p>
338 <p >
338 <span class="bold">
338 Action for Prisoners' Families
338 </span>
338 <br>
339 Works to reduce the negative impact of imprisonment on prisoners' families.
339 <br>
340 Produces publications and resources, and provides advice, information and training as well
as networking opportunities.
341 <br>
342 <a href="https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
342 www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk
342 </a>
342 <br>
343 <span class="bold">
343 E-mail
343 </span>
343 :
343 <a href="mailto:info@actionpf.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
343 info@actionpf.org.uk
343 </a>
343 <br>
344 <span class="bold">
344 Advice line
344 </span>
344 : 0808 808 2003
344 <br>
345 <span class="bold">
345 E-mail
345 </span>
345 :
345 <a href="mailto:info@prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
345 info@prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk
345 </a>
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 <span class="bold">
346 <br>
347 Addaction
347 </span>
347 <br>
348 Offers a range of support developed for families and carers affected by substance misuse.
349 <br>
350 <span class="bold">
350 Website
350 </span>
350 :
350 <a href="https://www.addaction.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
350 www.addaction.org.uk
350 </a>
350 <br>
351 <span class="bold">
351 E-mail
351 </span>
351 :
351 <a href="mailto:info@addaction.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
351 info@addaction.org.uk
351 </a>
351 </p>
352 <p>
352 <span class="bold">
352 <br>
353 Adfam
353 </span>
353 <br>
354 Works with families affected by drugs and alcohol, and supports carers of children whose
parents have drug and alcohol problems.
355 <br>
356 <span class="bold">
356 Website
356 </span>
356 :
356 <a href="https://www.adfam.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
356 www.adfam.org.uk
356 </a>
356 <br>
357 <span class="bold">
357 E-mail
357 </span>
357 :
357 <a href="mailto:admin@adfam.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
357 admin@adfam.org.uk
357 </a>
357 </p>
358 <p>
358 <span class="bold">
358 <br>
359 Coram Baaf
359 </span>
359 <br>
360 Provides information and advice about adoption and fostering and publishes resources.
361 <br>
362 <span class="bold">
362 CoramBAAF Advice Line
362 </span>
362 : 0300 222 5775 (Mon – Fri: 9am - 1pm) or
362 <br>
363 <span class="bold">
363 E-mail
363 </span>
363 :
363 <a href="mailto:advice@corambaaf.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
363 advice@corambaaf.org.uk
363 </a>
363 </p>
364 <p>
364 <span class="bold">
364 <br>
365 Children's Legal Centre
365 </span>
365 <br>
366 Provides free independent legal advice and factsheets to children, parents, carers and
professionals.
367 <br>
368 <span class="bold">
368 Website
368 </span>
368 :
368 <a href="https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
368 www.childrenslegalcentre.com
368 </a>
368 <br>
369 <span class="bold">
369 Tel
369 </span>
369 : 01206 877 910
369 <br>
370 <span class="bold">
370 E-mail
370 </span>
370 :
370 <a href="mailto:clc@essex.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
370 clc@essex.ac.uk
370 </a>
370 <br>
371 <span class="bold">
371 Child Law Advice Line
371 </span>
371 : 0808 802 0008
371 <br>
372 <span class="bold">
372 Community Legal Advice - Education
372 </span>
372 : 0845 345 4345
372 </p>
373 <p>
373 <span class="bold">
373 <br>
374 Citizens Advice Bureaux
374 </span>
374 <br>
375 Helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent
and confidential advice through local bureaux and website.
376 <br>
377 <span class="bold">
377 Website
377 </span>
377 :
377 <a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
377 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
377 </a>
377 </p>
378 <p>
378 <span class="bold">
378 <br>
379 Department for Education
379 </span>
379 <br>
380 Lists details of telephone help lines and online services to provide information, advice and
support on a range of issues that parents and families may face in bringing up children and
young people.
382 <br>
383 <span class="bold">
383 Website
383 </span>
383 :
383 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/topic/schools-colleges-childrens-services/support-for-children-youn
g-people" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
383 www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/families
383 </a>
383 </p>
384 <p>
384 <span class="bold">
384 <br>
385 Family Fund Trust
385 </span>
385 <br>
386 Helps families with severely disabled or seriously ill children to have choices and the
opportunity to enjoy ordinary life. Gives grants for things that make life easier and more
enjoyable for the disabled child and their family.
388 <br>
389 <span class="bold">
389 Website
389 </span>
389 :
389 <a href="https://www.familyfund.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
389 www.familyfund.org.uk
389 </a>
389 <br>
390 <span class="bold">
390 E-mail
390 </span>
390 :
390 <a href="mailto:info@familyfund.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
390 info@familyfund.org.uk
390 </a>
390 </p>
391 <p>
391 <span class="bold">
391 <br>
392 Family Rights Group (FGR)
392 </span>
392 <br>
393 Provides advice to parents and other family members whose children are involved with or
require children's social care services because of welfare needs or concerns. Publishes
resources, helps to develop support groups for family and friends carers, and runs a
discussion board.
396 <br>
397 <span class="bold">
397 Website
397 </span>
397 :
397 <a href="https://www.frg.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
397 www.frg.org.uk
397 </a>
397 <br>
398 <span class="bold">
398 Advice line
398 </span>
398 : 0800 801 0366
398 <br>
399 <span class="bold">
399 E-mail
399 </span>
399 :
399 <a href="mailto:advice@frg.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
399 advice@frg.org.uk
399 </a>
399 </p>
400 <p>
400 <span class="bold">
400 <br>
401 The Fostering Network
401 </span>
401 <br>
402 Supports foster carers and anyone with an interest in fostering to improve the lives of
children in care. Publishes resources and runs Fosterline, a confidential advice line for
foster carers including concerns about a child's future, allegations and complaints,
legislation and financial matters.
405 <br>
406 <span class="bold">
406 Website
406 </span>
406 :
406 <a href="https://www.fostering.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
406 www.fostering.net
406 </a>
406 <br>
407 <span class="bold">
407 E-mail
407 </span>
407 :
407 <a href="mailto:info@fostering.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
407 info@fostering.net
407 </a>
407 <br>
408 <span class="bold">
408 Tel
408 </span>
408 : 020 7620 6400
408 <br>
409 <span class="bold">
409 Fosterline
409 </span>
409 : 0800 040 7675
409 <br>
410 <span class="bold">
410 E-mail
410 </span>
410 :
410 <a href="mailto:fosterline@fostering.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
410 fosterline@fostering.net
410 </a>
410 </p>
411 <p>
411 <span class="bold">
411 <br>
412 The Grandparents' Association
412 </span>
412 <br>
413 Supports grandparents and their families, especially those who have lost or are losing
contact with their grandchildren because of divorce, separation or other family problems,
those caring for their grandchildren on a full-time basis, and those with childcare
responsibilities for their grandchildren.
413 <br>
414 <span class="bold">
414 Website
414 </span>
414 :
414 <a href="https://www.grandparents-association.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
414 www.grandparents-association.org.uk
414 </a>
414 <br>
415 <span class="bold">
415 Helpline
415 </span>
415 : 0845 434 9585
415 <br>
416 <span class="bold">
416 Welfare benefits advice and information
416 </span>
416 : 0844 357 1033
416 <br>
417 <span class="bold">
417 E-mail
417 </span>
417 :
417 <a href="mailto:info@grandparents-association.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
417 info@grandparents-association.org.uk
417 </a>
417 </p>
418 <p>
418 <span class="bold">
418 <br>
419 Grandparents Plus
419 </span>
419 <br>
420 Champions the role of grandparents and the wider family in children's lives, especially when
they take on the caring role in difficult family circumstances.
420 <br>
421 <span class="bold">
421 Tel
421 </span>
421 : 020 8981 8001
421 <br>
422 <span class="bold">
422 E-mail
422 </span>
422 :
422 <a href="mailto:info@grandparentsplus.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
422 info@grandparentsplus.org.uk
422 </a>
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 <span class="bold">
423 <br>
424 Family Mediation Helpline
424 </span>
424 <br>
425 Provides information and advice about family mediation services and eligibility for public
funding.
426 <br>
427 <span class="bold">
427 Tel
427 </span>
427 : 08456 026627
427 <br>
428 <span class="bold">
428 Website
428 </span>
428 :
428 <a href="https://www.nfm.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
428 www.nfm.org.uk/
428 </a>
428 </p>
429 <p>
429 <span class="bold">
429 <br>
430 National Family Mediation (NFM)
430 </span>
430 <br>
431 Provides mediation services to support couples who are separated, and their children and
others affected by this.
431 <br>
432 <span class="bold">
432 Website
432 </span>
432 :
432 <a href="https://www.nfm.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
432 www.nfm.org.uk
432 </a>
432 <br>
433 <span class="bold">
433 Tel
433 </span>
433 : 0300 4000 636
433 <br>
434 <span class="bold">
434 E-mail
434 </span>
434 :
434 <a href="mailto:general@nfm.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
434 general@nfm.org.uk
434 </a>
434 </p>
435 <p>
435 <br>
436 <span class="bold">
436 Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group
436 </span>
436 <br>
437 Operates helpline and provides a variety of services to support anyone who has a link with
someone in prison, prisoners and other agencies.
437 <br>
438 <span class="bold">
438 Website
438 </span>
438 :
438 <a href="https://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
438 www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk
438 </a>
438 <br>
439 <span class="bold">
439 Tel
439 </span>
439 : 0161 702 1000
439 <br>
440 <span class="bold">
440 Offenders' Families Helpline Tel
440 </span>
440 : 0808 808 2003
440 <br>
441 <span class="bold">
441 E-mail
441 </span>
441 :
441 <a href="mailto:info@prisonersfamilieshelpline.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
441 info@prisonersfamilieshelpline.co.uk
441 </a>
441 </p>
442 <p>
442 <br>
443 <span class="bold">
443 Parentline Plus
443 </span>
443 <br>
444 Provides help and support in all aspects of family life, including information, an online
chat facility and a 24 hour helpline.
445 <br>
446 <span class="bold">
446 Website
446 </span>
446 :
446 <a href="https://www.familylives.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
446 www.familylives.org.uk
446 </a>
446 <br>
447 <span class="bold">
447 Tel
447 </span>
447 : 020 7553 3080
447 <br>
448 <span class="bold">
448 24hr Advice line
448 </span>
448 : 0808 800 2222
448 <br>
449 <span class="bold">
449 E-mail
449 </span>
449 :
449 <a href="mailto:parentsupport@familylives.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
449 parentsupport@familylives.org.uk
449 </a>
449 </p>
450 <p>
450 <br>
451 <span class="bold">
451 TalktoFrank
451 </span>
451 <br>
452 The government's national drugs helpline which offers free confidential drugs information
and advice 24 hours a day. Information and advice is also available via the website.
452 <br>
453 <span class="bold">
453 Website
453 </span>
453 :
453 <a href="https://www.talktofrank.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
453 www.talktofrank.com
453 </a>
453 <br>
454 <span class="bold">
454 24 hour advice line
454 </span>
454 : 0800 77 66 00
454 <br>
455 <span class="bold">
455 Text
455 </span>
455 : 82111
455 <br>
456 <span class="bold">
456 E-mail
456 </span>
456 :
456 <a href="mailto:frank@talktofrank.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
456 frank@talktofrank.com
456 </a>
456 </p>
457 <p>
457 <br>
458 <span class="bold">
458 Voice
458 </span>
458 <br>
459 Advocacy organisation for children living away from home or in need.
459 <br>
460 <span class="bold">
460 Website
460 </span>
460 :
460 <a href="https://www.voiceyp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
460 www.voiceyp.org
460 </a>
460 <br>
461 <span class="bold">
461 Young person's advice line
461 </span>
461 : 0808 800 5792
461 <br>
462 <span class="bold">
462 E-mail
462 </span>
462 :
462 <a href="mailto:info@voiceyp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
462 info@voiceyp.org
462 </a>
462 </p>
463 <p>
463 <br>
464 <span class="bold">
464 Young Minds
464 </span>
464 <br>
465 Works to improve the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and
empowering their parents and carers.
466 <br>
467 <span class="bold">
467 Website
467 </span>
467 :
467 <a href="https://www.youngminds.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
467 www.youngminds.org.uk
467 </a>
467 <br>
468 <span class="bold">
468 Parents helpline
468 </span>
468 : 0808 802 5544
468 </p>
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