Children, young people and families

Coronavirus (COVID-19): children, young people and families

We continue to update the guidance on managing direct payments during the pandemic.

This is for those who:

manage their own direct payments
have support from Purple, the company we currently use, to manage their direct payments
manage direct payments on behalf of someone else

Report a concern about a child
If you're worried about a child or young person, let us know
Support for children, young people and families
If you, your family or someone you know needs support, let us know
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Services and support for young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disability

Adoption
Find out more about adopting a child
Fostering
Make a difference to children's lives by fostering with us
Early years and childcare
Find information and advice on childcare costs and funding, types of childcare and finding childcare
Children and young peoples health and wellbeing services
Find out about health and wellbeing services available to children and young people in Essex
Youth Offending Service
Working with young people who have been in trouble with the law to improve their lives
Children in care
What happens when you're in care, how foster placements work and your rights
Local Offer for Care Leavers
Find out about the support we offer young people leaving care
Young carers
If you're under 18 and looking after someone, we could help
Independent Visitor Service
Volunteer to befriend and support a young person in care
Special Guardianship
Apply to legally take parental responsibility for a child you look after
Resources for practitioners
Guidance and resources, including early help plans, safeguarding and our processes
Our Ofsted report
In 2018 our children's social care services were rated 'outstanding'
Complaints and compliments
If something's gone wrong with one of our services, let us know
Domestic abuse victim and survivor feedback
The voices of all victims and survivors of domestic abuse should be heard. Share your experience and help improve services for everyone in Essex.