Support for Families Navigating the Social Care System: Amplifying Parental Voices

At The Stealing of Emily, we have always been committed to shedding light on the challenges that parents and families face within the child protection and social care systems. The intricacies of these systems, especially in the context of children’s welfare and legal decisions, can be overwhelming and, at times, feel isolating. As we explore these challenges in our work, we strongly advocate for platforms that elevate the voices of parents, carers, and families who are navigating these complex processes.

One such initiative is the Parent Families and Allies Network (PFAN), a UK-based group led by parents who have personal experience with children’s social care. PFAN is dedicated to creating change in the system by listening to the lived experiences of those who interact with it most — the families. The group is currently running an anonymous survey to understand how the government’s guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, is impacting parents and carers in practice.

The guidance was introduced to promote better collaboration between agencies, families, and professionals to safeguard children more effectively. PFAN is keen to hear from families about whether this guidance has indeed led to more transparent communication, better cooperation, and a more supportive experience when working with social care professionals. This is a critical moment for parents and carers to reflect on their interactions with the system and share feedback about what is working and, just as importantly, what isn’t.

The survey takes no more than five minutes to complete and is completely anonymous, ensuring that participants can share their views openly. PFAN stresses the importance of genuine voices being heard by those in positions of power, as this kind of feedback is essential in pushing for systemic changes that can lead to better outcomes for families and children. It is vital that those who make the decisions within the child welfare system understand the real-world effects of their policies.

By filling out the survey, parents and carers can contribute to a wider movement aimed at improving child protection practices, making sure that the system works for families, not just the agencies. The results of the survey will help PFAN advocate for necessary reforms, bringing attention to areas where communication and cooperation may still be lacking and where further efforts are needed.

Additionally, PFAN is offering a chance to win a £100 voucher as a thank you for completing the survey. If you decide to participate, you can opt to share your email address, which will only be used for notifying winners of the voucher draw. This is entirely voluntary and will not be linked to the anonymous responses submitted.

We encourage all parents and carers who have had experiences with children’s social care to take part in this important survey. Your voice matters, and by sharing your story, you can help shape a more responsive and accountable system for those who follow in your footsteps.

Your participation is invaluable and can make a significant difference in advocating for the change that families so desperately need. We at The Stealing of Emily continue to support efforts like this, as we know how crucial it is for parents to be heard, respected, and supported throughout their journeys in the social care and court systems.

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