“Helping you navigate the system with confidence and clarity“
Moving to a new country brings a mix of hope and uncertainty—especially when it comes to your family’s wellbeing. In the UK, social care services are designed to support vulnerable individuals and families, including children, older adults, and those with disabilities. But for many migrant families, the system can feel confusing, intimidating, or even threatening.
This guide aims to explain how the UK social care system works, what you can expect, and to clear up some common misconceptions—so you feel more informed and empowered.
What Is UK Social Care?
Social care in the UK refers to a range of services provided to support people who need extra help in their daily lives. This includes:
- Children’s Services: Support for children and families, particularly where there are concerns about a child’s safety, health, or development.
- Adult Social Care: Help for elderly people, those with disabilities or long-term illnesses, and their carers.
- Family Support Services: Early help for families facing challenges like housing, parenting difficulties, or financial hardship.
Social care is provided by local authorities (councils) and is often delivered in partnership with health services, schools, charities, and community organisations.
What Can Families Expect from Children’s Services?
If Children’s Services become involved with your family, it does not automatically mean you are in trouble or that your children will be taken away. Here’s what typically happens:
- Referral or Report
Someone—a teacher, doctor, neighbour, or even you—might raise a concern about a child’s welfare. - Initial Assessment
A social worker may visit your home to talk to you and your children. They will try to understand your situation, strengths, and any support you might need. - Support or Plan
- If there are no serious concerns, they may offer advice or connect you with local support services.
- If further help is needed, they may create a Child in Need or Child Protection Plan to support your family.
- Review and Follow-Up
Social workers regularly review the plan with you, with the aim of strengthening your family and ensuring your child’s wellbeing.
Your Rights as a Migrant Family
- You have a right to be treated with respect regardless of your immigration status.
- You can ask for an interpreter if English is not your first language.
- You have the right to know why social services are involved and to be part of any decisions made about your children.
- Your cultural and religious background should be respected when decisions are made about your family.
If you feel confused or uncertain, ask questions. You can also get support from advocacy services, community groups, or a solicitor who understands family or immigration law.
Common Misconceptions
Let’s tackle some fears and myths we often hear from migrant families:
🔴 “Social workers just want to take children away.”
❌ Not true. The goal is always to keep families together wherever it is safe to do so. Removing a child is a last resort, used only when there is serious, ongoing harm.
🔴 “If I ask for help, I’ll get in trouble.”
❌ Asking for help shows strength, not weakness. Services are there to support families before problems become crises.
🔴 “Because I’m not British, I don’t have the same rights.”
❌ While immigration status can affect access to some public funds, every child in the UK is entitled to protection and support, and families should not be discriminated against.
Tips for Navigating the System
- Keep records of any letters, appointments, or decisions.
- Be honest with professionals—it helps build trust.
- Ask for support early if you’re struggling with housing, money, parenting, or emotional health.
- Know your rights and seek legal advice if unsure.
- Build a network—community groups, faith organisations, and charities often offer advice, language support, and practical help.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the UK social care system is the first step to feeling confident and protected. As a migrant family, you have the right to dignity, support, and fair treatment. While the system can be complex, you don’t have to face it alone.
If you need help, don’t wait—reach out. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s school, struggling with stress, or just need someone to talk to, there are people and organisations ready to support you.
Useful Resources:
Useful Resources for Migrant Families in the UK
🧾 Legal and Social Care Advice
- Coram Children’s Legal Centre
Free legal advice and information on children’s rights, education, immigration, and family law.
🔗 www.childrenslegalcentre.com | 📞 0300 330 5480 - Family Rights Group
Advice and advocacy for families involved with Children’s Services.
🔗 www.frg.org.uk | 📞 0808 801 0366 - Law Centres Network
Find your local Law Centre for free or low-cost legal support on immigration, housing, and family law.
🔗 www.lawcentres.org.uk - Migrant Children’s Project (Coram)
Legal fact sheets and guidance for migrant children and families on their rights to education, care, and support.
🔗 mcp.coram.org.uk
🏠 Housing, Immigration, and Asylum Support
- Refugee Council
Support for asylum seekers, refugees, and children in the UK immigration system.
🔗 www.refugeecouncil.org.uk - Praxis
Practical support, housing help, and immigration advice for migrants and families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
🔗 www.praxis.org.uk - Shelter
Advice on housing rights and homelessness, including for migrants and those with complex needs.
🔗 www.shelter.org.uk | 📞 0808 800 4444 - Project 17
Helps families with NRPF access local authority support under Section 17 of the Children Act.
🔗 www.project17.org.uk
🧠 Mental Health and Family Support
- Migrant Help
Assistance for migrants, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking, including mental health support.
🔗 www.migranthelpuk.org - Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline
Emotional and practical support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children and families, including migrants.
🔗 http://www.barnardos.org.uk/boloh-helpline | 📞 0800 151 2605 - Mind – Mental Health Support
Offers culturally sensitive mental health advice and services; search for local branches.
🔗 www.mind.org.uk
🧒 Parenting and Child Welfare Support
- Home-Start UK
Local volunteers provide friendly parenting support to families with young children.
🔗 www.home-start.org.uk - Children’s Centres (England)
Free parenting classes, playgroups, and family support services for parents of young children.
🔗 Search “[your town] children’s centre” on your local council website. - Citizens Advice
Offers face-to-face or online support on benefits, housing, employment, and family law.
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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