Search all content on GOV.UK

Tell the local authority if you're worried that a child is being neglected or abused - call 999 if they’re in immediate danger

How to make arrangements for your children if you divorce or separate, mediation and how to apply for a court order if you cannot agree.

• Making child arrangements

  You can choose how to make arrangements for looking after your children if…

• If you agree on child arrangements

  You do not have to do any official paperwork if you agree about child…

• Make an agreement through mediation

  You can use a mediator to help you and your ex-partner agree on child…

• Other ways to agree without going to court

  There are other ways to help you agree on child arrangements outside of…

• If you cannot agree: court orders you can apply for

  If you’ve got help and still cannot agree then you’ll need to apply for a…

• Apply for a court order

  You must usually attend a meeting about mediation before you apply. This…

• After you apply for a court order

  The court may arrange a ‘directions hearing’ with both parents if you…

• Change or enforce an order

  You can change an existing court order or consent order. You can also ask…

What happens when a child is taken into care - who is responsible for what, care proceedings, care orders, going to court and the role of Cafcass

• Overview

  If your child is taken into care because of a care order, your council…

• Care proceedings

  The council can start ‘care proceedings’ if they’re very worried about a…

• Going to court

  Once all the information has been gathered, there will be a court hearing.…

• Educating children in care

  The council will be responsible for your child’s education if they’re…

Child Trust Fund accounts - find a lost account, how to make payments, managing the account

Evaluation and summary reports for the Children's social care innovation programme (CSCIP) grouped by theme.

• Updated: 12 October 2022

This guide provides information about being arrested in Turkey and what conditions are like in prison there.

• Updated: 19 August 2024

How to book and make a secure video call with somebody in prison.

• Updated: 23 July 2024

How to set up or manage a child maintenance arrangement, including what to do if a parent does not pay, how to contact the Child Maintenance Service, and signing in to your account.

Why children are sent to custody, what it's like, visiting, advice and support

A guide for parents whose child has been abducted to Romania by the other parent, legal guardian or someone acting on their behalf.

• Updated: 11 July 2025