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If your child is being looked after in care by a local authority (including being in care through a court order), and you are unhappy with their treatment you can formally complain.
Not all problems that arise on a day to day basis should automatically be grounds for making a complaint. If a minor problem exists, the best thing to do is draw it to the attention of the social worker for your child or their manager. Many minor problems can be resolved promptly to everybody's satisfaction. They do not necessarily need to go through the complaints procedure.
Children's Services have particular responsibilities to looked after children in care, including:
If you feel Children's Services are not fulfilling these responsibilities, talk to your child's carer or your social worker (and their manager, if necessary), or raise the issue at the next review meeting.
If you are not satisfied, or you consider the matter urgent, you can make a complaint through the Children's Services Complaints Procedure to the Designated Complaints Officer for your local authority.
You can also get advice and support from Family Rights Group advice line on 0800 731 1696, which is open Monday-Friday, 1.30-3.30pm.
National Youth Advocacy Service provides legal representation and advice for children and young people who need help with making their voice heard.