Find your council
Contact children's services through your local authority.
OPEN HELPAbout this guide
Children's Services are one of the most important functions carried out by Local Authorities (Councils). Their purpose is to support children, young people, families, carers, and vulnerable households while promoting children's welfare, safety, wellbeing, development, and life opportunities.
Useful help now
Direct routes to official or established information relevant to this guide.
Family support
GOV.UK information on local family and childcare support.
OPEN HELPUnderstanding Local Authority Responsibilities, Family Support, Child Protection, Assessments, Education Support & Your Rights
Children's Services are one of the most important functions carried out by Local Authorities (Councils). Their purpose is to support children, young people, families, carers, and vulnerable households while promoting children's welfare, safety, wellbeing, development, and life opportunities.
Children's Services do not exist solely to investigate safeguarding concerns. Much of their work focuses on helping families access support early, preventing problems from escalating, and ensuring children receive the care, education, protection, and opportunities they need.
The law recognises that most children thrive best when they are safe, supported, and able to remain within their families wherever possible.
The welfare of children should always remain a primary consideration in decisions affecting them.
What Are Children's Services?
Children's Services are departments within Local Authorities responsible for supporting children, young people, and families.
Their work may include:
- Family support
- Child in Need services
- Safeguarding
- Child protection
- Early Help support
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support
- Education welfare
- Children in care services
- Support for care leavers
- Support for disabled children
- Youth services
Legal Framework
Children's Services operate under a range of legislation.
Key legislation includes:
Children Act 1989
The primary legislation governing child welfare, safeguarding, and family support.
Children Act 2004
Strengthens safeguarding responsibilities and multi-agency working.
Children and Families Act 2014
Introduces important duties relating to SEND support and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Education Act 1996
Provides duties relating to education and school attendance.
Equality Act 2010
Protects children and families from discrimination.
Human Rights Act 1998
Protects family life, privacy, fairness, and other fundamental rights.
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Statutory guidance used by safeguarding agencies.
Family Support Services
Many families access Children's Services for support rather than safeguarding investigations.
Family Support may help with:
- Parenting support
- Family difficulties
- Financial pressures
- Housing concerns
- Disability support
- Behavioural concerns
- School attendance issues
- Emotional wellbeing
- Domestic abuse support
- Access to specialist services
The aim is often to help families remain stable and prevent problems becoming more serious.
Early Help Support
What Is Early Help?
Early Help is support provided before concerns become more serious.
It is intended to:
- Identify difficulties early.
- Provide practical support.
- Improve outcomes for children.
- Reduce the need for crisis intervention.
Examples Of Early Help Support
- Parenting programmes
- Family support workers
- School support
- Emotional wellbeing services
- Youth support
- Housing advice
- Financial guidance
- Domestic abuse support
Participation is usually voluntary.
Child In Need Assessments
What Is A Child In Need?
Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, a child may be considered a Child in Need if they require services to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development.
This may include children who:
- Have disabilities.
- Have health needs.
- Are experiencing family difficulties.
- Need additional support.
Child In Need Assessment
The council may assess:
- The child's needs.
- Family circumstances.
- Risks and strengths.
- Support required.
Possible Outcomes
Support may include:
- Family support services.
- Practical assistance.
- Referrals to specialist services.
- Multi-agency support plans.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Local Authorities have legal duties to protect children from harm.
Safeguarding Concerns May Include
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse
- Child exploitation
- Online abuse
- Criminal exploitation
- Serious welfare concerns
Children's Welfare
The child's welfare should remain the primary consideration when safeguarding concerns are assessed.
Child Protection Investigations
Where there is reason to believe a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, the council may undertake child protection enquiries.
This is often referred to as a:
Section 47 Investigation
under the Children Act 1989.
Purpose
The aim is to determine:
- Whether the child is safe.
- Whether intervention is required.
- What support may be necessary.
Multi-Agency Working
Investigations may involve:
- Social workers
- Police
- Health professionals
- Schools
- Other safeguarding agencies
Education Support
Children's Services may also support education-related needs.
Education Welfare
Support regarding:
- School attendance
- Children missing education
- Educational barriers
SEND Support
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities may receive additional support.
Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs)
Councils have legal duties regarding:
- Assessments
- Plan preparation
- Reviews
- Specialist support
Support For Disabled Children
Local Authorities may provide support for children with disabilities and their families.
Examples include:
- Assessments
- Respite support
- Family support
- Specialist services
- Direct payments
Children In Care
Some children may become looked after by the Local Authority.
Councils then assume significant responsibilities relating to:
- Accommodation
- Education
- Health
- Welfare
- Future planning
Care Leavers
Councils continue to owe duties to many young people leaving care.
Support may include:
- Housing assistance
- Education support
- Employment support
- Personal advisers
- Financial assistance
Parents' Rights During Assessments
Parents generally have important rights.
These may include:
✓ Being treated fairly and respectfully.
✓ Receiving information about processes.
✓ Providing information and evidence.
✓ Receiving copies of assessments where appropriate.
✓ Requesting reasonable adjustments.
✓ Accessing complaints procedures.
✓ Challenging inaccurate information.
✓ Being informed of decisions.
Children's Rights
Children may also have rights including:
✓ Being listened to.
✓ Having views considered.
✓ Being protected from harm.
✓ Receiving appropriate support.
✓ Accessing education.
✓ Being treated fairly.
Reasonable Adjustments & Accessibility
Under the Equality Act 2010, councils may need to consider reasonable adjustments.
Examples may include:
- Accessible communication.
- Interpreters.
- Alternative formats.
- Longer appointments.
- Support workers.
- Disability-related adjustments.
Families should not be disadvantaged because of disability, illness, or communication needs.
Evidence Standards Handbook
Good evidence can be important when working with Children's Services.
Examples include:
Education Records
- School reports
- Attendance records
- EHCP documents
Medical Evidence
- GP letters
- Hospital reports
- Therapy records
Family Support Records
- Assessments
- Support plans
- Professional reports
Safeguarding Evidence
- Incident records
- Police reports
- Professional referrals
Record Keeping
Keep copies of:
- Emails
- Letters
- Assessments
- Meeting notes
- Support plans
- Complaints
Advanced Claimant Protection
Families have important rights when dealing with Children's Services.
Right To Fair Treatment
Right To Participation
Right To Be Heard
Right To Submit Evidence
Right To Accessibility
Right To Challenge Inaccuracies
Right To Privacy
Subject to safeguarding responsibilities.
Right To Accountability
Public authorities remain accountable for decisions and actions.
Complaints & Accountability
If concerns arise, families may be able to:
Request Clarification
Challenge Inaccurate Information
Make A Formal Complaint
Contact Senior Managers
Contact Elected Councillors
Escalate To The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
Where appropriate.
Useful Resources
Children's Services Information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children
Find Your Local Council:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
NSPCC:
Childline:
Contact:
IPSEA (SEND Advice):
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman:
Children's Services Checklist
✓ Seek support early.
✓ Keep copies of all documents.
✓ Record meetings and conversations.
✓ Ask for assessments in writing.
✓ Submit evidence promptly.
✓ Request reasonable adjustments if needed.
✓ Challenge inaccuracies quickly.
✓ Use complaints procedures where necessary.
✓ Keep children's welfare at the centre of discussions.
✓ Maintain clear records and timelines.
Key Message
Children's Services play a vital role in supporting children, families, carers, and vulnerable households. Their responsibilities extend beyond safeguarding investigations and include family support, early help, Child in Need services, education support, SEND provision, and child protection.
The welfare of children should always remain a primary consideration. Families should be treated fairly, have their views considered, be given opportunities to provide evidence, and receive support that is lawful, proportionate, transparent, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.