Social services
In this guide:
Introduction
Social services may be able to help young people in a variety of way depending on the individual’s circumstances.
A child may be a:
- “child in need”
- “looked after” or “accommodated” child
- “child in care”
- care leaver
Child in need
To determine whether a child is in need, a social worker will assess the young person. This will involve looking at a young person’s:
- background
- family
- health needs etc
If the social worker decides that the child is in need then it will provide a range of services including:
- day care facilities for under 5s not yet at school
- after-school and holiday care or activities for school-age children
- advice, guidance and counselling
- occupational, social, cultural or recreational activities
- home helps and laundry facilities
- help with travelling to and from home to use any services provided by the local authority
- assistance for the child and family to have a holiday
- family centres
- financial help
Looked after or accommodated child
If a person with parental responsibility (normally a parent who makes important decisions about the child’s welfare) is no longer able to look after the child, then the local authority will. The child will become a “looked after” child. Essentially, this means that the local authority has extra responsibilities and obligations towards the child but it does not acquire parental responsibility. This means that the person with parental responsibility still makes key decision about important aspects of a child’s life.
Child in care
If a child is the subject of a care order made by the court, then the local authority acquires parental responsibility for the child. This means that the local authority is responsible for the child and must look after the child. The local authority is also able to make important decisions about aspects of the child’s life.
The local authority’s responsibilities
Depending on whether the child lives in a children’s home, a foster home or with their family affects the local authority’s responsibilities.
However, regardless of where a child lives, the child is entitled to:
- have their own social worker;
- see their own social worker;
- have a review meeting held at least every six months at which all aspects of the child’s welfare should be looked at and the child’s views considered; and
- have their wishes and feelings about important aspects of their life considered.
Complaints
A child is entitled to complain to the local authority if:
- any of the above procedures are not complied with; or
- an unfair or incorrect decision is made about the child.
The local authority should have a complaints procedure which the child should follow.
Other options
A complaint may not resolve the child’s problems with the local authority. If this is the case, the child should contact a solicitor who will be able to provide further advice.
The solicitor might:
- talk to the local authority on the child’s behalf; and/or
- attend a meeting with a local authority representative and the child.
In rare circumstances, the solicitor may have to take court action against the local authority.
Care leavers
Although a care order ends when a child reaches 18, the local authority still has obligations towards the child when they leave care.
Those obligations depend on the local authority’s past involvement with the child.
The obligations may include:
- Allocating a personal adviser to the child from the age of 16. The personal adviser should provide advice and support to enable the child to become independent.
- Giving the child a “pathway plan” which details plans for education, training and support etc.
- Providing the child with accommodation.
For more information, contact Liz Frank/Simone Surgenor on 01206 835260
Useful organisations
Essex County Council
Helpline 01245 434090
Out of hours line 01245 434083
Who Cares Trust
Kemp House
152-160 City Road
London EC1V 2NP
Tel: 020 7251 3117 (admin)
E-mail: mailbox@thewhocarestrust.org.uk
Website: www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk
NCH – National Childrens Homes
Voice of the Child in care
Freephone 0808 800 5792
www.vcc-uk.org.uk