Support for Families and Carers
Worried about your child? You're not alone. |
Supporting your child can feel overwhelming — especially when stories about gangs, violence, exploitation, or missing episodes dominate the news and social media. Many parents tell us they feel unsure what to look out for, who to talk to, or how to start difficult conversations at home.
This page brings together clear, practical resources designed to help you feel more informed and more confident. Each downloadable leaflet breaks complex issues into simple, accessible guidance you can use right away — whether you’re worried about your child, supporting another family, or just want to understand the risks young people face. You’ll find:
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What to Look Out For |
These signs don’t always mean exploitation is happening, but they may be warning flags:
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What You Can Do
- Stay calm, stay present: Avoid blame. Your child may be scared too.
- Keep the door open: Show that you're there to talk — even if they're not ready.
- Document concerns: Keep a record of things that don’t feel right. It helps if you need support later.
- Reach out early: You don’t need a crisis to seek advice.
- Avoid going it alone: There are services trained to help — for you and your child.
Who Can Help
These services offer support for parents and carers:
These services offer support for parents and carers:
- St Giles Trust – support for families and individuals affected by violence, exploitation, or prison
- NSPCC – national child protection charity, includes advice lines and resources
- Ivison Trust – (formally known as PACE)Parents Against Child Exploitation – excellent CCE-specific resources
- Just for Kids Law – legal support for young people and families
- The Children’s Society – guidance on spotting signs and accessing help
- Your local council’s early help or safeguarding team
Downloadable leaflets
Let's Talk About Gangs - Advice for Parent's and Caregivers
Violent crime appears to be on the increase yet again. Every day seems to bring with it another news story of a knife, gun or gang related crime. We are living in a time where crimes are getting more and more serious and at the same time the age of young people becoming involved appears to be getting younger.
This leaflet exists to give you the parent, carer or guardian the basic facts on what gangs are, possible signs to look for if you are worried about your child and where to go if you need advice. |
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Let's Talk about County Lines - Advice for Parent's and Caregivers
With so many stories about County Lines and gangs in the press and on social media, no one could blame any parent or caregiver for being concerned about it –wondering what to look out for and what they can do. This leaflet has been designed to give parents, guardians and caregivers the information they need.
Advice Infographic for parents and caregivers |
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