Last updated:
3rd August 2026
Step 2: Early support and checks
If we're aware of the arrangement, a practitioner from Children's Services may contact you to understand the situation, make sure the child is safe, and discuss what support may be helpful.
What to expect
- We'll gather information about the child and their family circumstances.
- We may speak with other services involved with the child, such as their school or health professionals.
- We'll talk with you about your household and any support you may need.
Support available
Depending on your situation, support may include:
- Family Help services.
- A family network meeting, which brings together family members and other important people in the child's life to discuss support and plan together.
Timescales
- Initial contact is usually reviewed within 24 hours.
- If Family Help support is needed, this may begin within 5 to 10 working days.
Important:
The local authority will not always be aware of informal kinship care arrangements unless someone tells us about them.
If you'd like advice or support, you can contact Children's Services. With your agreement, we can share information with relevant services, such as health or education, so you don't have to keep explaining your situation to different people. This helps us work together to make sure you and the child get the support you need.
