Advice for Parents and Carers in Wales

As a parent, guardian, or carer, you play a vital role in helping your child grow, learn, and feel safe.

Sometimes, though, you may need independent advice or support when things aren’t going right for instance at school or with social services.

Our Children’s Rights Advice and Assistance Team offers free and confidential advice to parents and carers in Wales who want to make sure their children’s rights are being upheld.

Understanding Children’s Rights in Wales

In Wales, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is part of the law.

That means Welsh Government must consider children’s rights when they make decisions affecting children

Children should be:

Be treated fairly and listened to
Access education and get support if they have additional learning needs
Be protected from harm
Receive help when they need it

You have the right as a parent or carer to speak up when those rights aren’t being upheld.

Learn more about Children’s Rights in Wales

How We Can Help Parents and Carers

We can give you advice if you’re:

Struggling to get your child extra support in school
Worried about how social services are handling your case
Unsure of your child’s health or wellbeing rights
Trying to make a complaint about a public body
Seeking advice about a care placement or education plan

Our team listens carefully to your situation and explains your options clearly, step by step.

What We Can’t Do

We can’t provide legal representation or make decisions on your behalf, but we’ll guide you toward the right people or organisations that can help. If your issue is outside our remit, we’ll point you to specialist services. We can’t influence waiting lists such as health or housing waiting lists we can’t give legal advice or get involved in court matters we can’t get involved with matters that aren’t devolved to Wales – if you’re unsure about this please get in touch we can’t recommend specific professionals or services

How to Get in Touch

Freephone: 0808 801 1000
Email: advice@childcomwales.org.uk
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

All advice is free and confidential. We’ll only share information if you ask us to, or if we believe a child is in danger.

When you contact us, you’ll speak to a friendly adviser who’ll listen, explain your options, and help you take the next step.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can you help if my child has special educational needs (SEN)?

Yes — we can explain your child’s rights under Welsh law and where to get further support.

What if I disagree with a social worker’s decision?

We can help you understand the complaints process and your right to challenge decisions.

Is your service confidential?

Yes. We won’t share what you tell us unless we think someone is at risk of harm.

Can I contact you if my child is over 18?

We can only help young people over the age of 18 if they’ve been in care.

Resources and Support

Need Immediate Help?

If your child is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm:

Childline: 0800 1111
Social Services: via your local authority
Meic Cymru (for young people in Wales): 0808 802 3456 or meiccymru.org
Emergency: Call 999

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