If your child is taken into care

If your child is taken into our care, there will be a named social worker who works with you and your child to make sure that your child is suitably cared for both now and in future. Your social worker is the first person you should talk to if you have any questions or worries about your child being in care.

All children who are taken into care will also be given an Independent Reviewing Officer, whose job is to make sure that our care plan meets the child's needs and that we're doing everything we should be doing as a corporate parent.

For independent advice, the Family Rights Group offer answers to common questions parents ask when their child is being adopted or taken into care. You may also seek legal advice through the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) and get counselling and support through Connecting Adoptive Families Independent Services.

We always do everything we can to keep children living with their families (or extended family and friends). If we think a child is about to go into care, we will call a family group conference to talk about possible alternatives with the family and friends of that child.

Contact social services

As a first point of call, you must contact the named social worker who works with you and your child to make sure that your child is being suitably cared for, and if you have any further questions relating to any worries or concerns you may have.

If you do not know who to contact please telephone Children Social Services on 03000 41 11 11 or email social.services@kent.gov.uk.