Supporting Children in Care

Providing children in care with a new way to get the support they need

'Supporting children in care' provides a new way to give children in care the help they need through ChildLine and face-to-face counseling.

There are over 90,000 children and young people in care in the UK who need a special level of care to help them overcome the effects of their previous experiences.

Many children and young people in care continue to experience instances of loneliness, depression or a feeling of isolation.

When they need help, we want to make sure they always have someone to turn to.

An independent adult who will listen and help

Children in care consistently highlight independent support as something they value. We will give these vulnerable children the help they need through ChildLine and a face-to-face support service.

A child in care can contact a ChildLine counsellor at any time who will listen and offer advice and support.

If the child is in need of further support, counsellors can offer:

• further counseling sessions with ChildLine,
• face-to-face counselling sessions at a local NSPCC centre, or
• put them in touch with other agencies or advocacy services.

Children in care can also refer themselves to the face-to-face service or they can be referred by someone who is working with them such as a social worker.

Working towards nationwide service

Currently our face-to-face service will be provided from 18 NSPCC local centres.

We will look at ways of expanding the service to other parts of the UK so that all children in care get the support they need.

Find out more about our work in this area

Information for professionals

Why looked after children are a priority

Providing children in care with a trusted adult they can turn to

Ensuring children from care who are reunited with their birth families are safe

Find out the services available in your area