If you are separated from your child, there is a range of specialist and more general support and advice available to you.
Parents and children can be separated for different reasons.
Children looked after by the Local Authority
Some parents are separated from their children because the Local Authority and Court has decided that this the safest thing to happen for the child. In many situations, parents will continue to spend time with their child, with the agreement of the Local Authority, and there will be a named social worker who can provide advice and help guide parents to the right support.
You can also obtain information from the following:
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice have information on what will happen if your child is taken into care by the local authority. Their website offers information on seeing your child and staying in touch, what happens if the local authority wants to change or stop contact, and how you can check how your child is getting on. For more information visit: If your child is taken into care by your local council - Citizens Advice
Contact with a child in care – For information on the law regarding contact with a looked-after child, including how to apply for contact and what a court will consider, visit: Contact with a child in care - childlawadvice.org.uk
Free Family Law Advice Across Wales (dewis.wales)
Civil Legal Advice (CLA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you are pregnant
The Magu Team supports people who are expecting a baby from 10 weeks of pregnancy through to when the baby turns one. Mothers and fathers who have been in care themselves, have other children who are not in their care as a result of local authority or state intervention, or are first time young parents, could be eligible. To receive support a referral must be made by a professional already working with you such as a midwife, 16+ worker, social worker.
Adoption
Sometimes, children and parents are permanently separated when a child is adopted. If a child has been adopted, birth families can access information about support and contact here Adoption Support (adopt4vvc.org)
Children living with another parent or family member
In other situations, parents and children may be separated through private law proceedings, when a Court decides who a child should live with. In these situations, the Local Authority might not have any ongoing involvement with the family.
If you have not been involved with the local authority, but do not have your children in your care (private court proceedings), then some of the following offer helpful information:
Family Lives – Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. They have a free confidential helpline and online chat for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on parenting and family life. For more information and to contact this service, visit: Parenting and Family Support - Family Lives (Parentline Plus) | Family Lives
Cafcass Cymru – Cafcass provide expert child-focused advice and support, safeguarding children and make sure their voices are heard in family courts across Wales. For more information and contact details, visit: Cafcass Cymru | GOV.WALES
Parenting and Mental Health – Parenting can impact your mental health so Mind have created list of resources to help support you: Parenting and mental health - Mind
NACCC – The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) is a charity that have accredited child contact services. Their website offers information for parents following separation and can provide information on setting up contact with your child. For more information visit: For Parents and Family Members - NACCC