Care leavers who are parents

If you are a care leaver and a parent, or you are going to be a parent, there is support for you.

Page contents

Before you become a parent

If you are thinking about becoming a parent, you can get advice about:

  • healthy relationships
  • sexual health
  • family planning

Useful pages:

Becoming a parent can make you think about your own childhood.

You can talk to your PA about support where you live.

You can also get help from Care Leavers : Mindworks Surrey

Support with parenting

Your PA can help you find local parenting support.

You can join parenting courses online or in person.

Ask your health visitor or GP about baby and parent groups.

Surrey Child and Family Health

Surrey Child and Family Health supports all new parents.

If you are 19 or under and having your first baby, specialist nurses can help you from early pregnancy until your child turns 2.

They also have an app for all parents.

You can also find information at Children and families - Healthy Surrey

Baby Buddy App

The Baby Buddy app is free.

It gives clear information and tools for pregnancy and parenting.

It has videos, tips, and daily updates for parents and carers.

Keeping your child safe

The Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership has advice on:

  • safe sleeping
  • medicines
  • car seats
  • bath time safety

See the Accident prevention and safety section.

Family support services

Family lives

Family Lives gives free support for parents or family problems. You can  get one‑to‑one help or join online courses.

Family Rights Group

Family Rights Group has free, private advice for families involved with children’s social care. Call 0808 801 0366 or us the enquiry form.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread has support for single parents, including advice, information and a support network.

Support for dads

Support from children's social care

Sometimes children’s services may need to check how you are caring for your child.

This is not because you are a care leaver.

It is usually when there are worries about safety or when you may need extra support.

They may look at things like:

  • your mental health
  • drug or alcohol use
  • domestic abuse
  • learning disabilities
  • whether you need help with daily tasks or parenting skills

In Surrey, special teams help parents before and after birth.

They help you learn new skills and support your family.

If there are concerns about your child:

  • your PA can support you in meetings
  • they will help you share your views and understand any plans

Your PA can also help you contact family centres for practical support.

Health services for new parents

Registering your baby with a GP

Register your baby with a GP as soon as you can.

You can see a GP for your health or your baby’s health at any time.

If you move, register with a new GP. Find a GP - NHS

If your baby is not registered yet, you can still get emergency treatment.

How your health visitor can help

A health visitor is a nurse or midwife with extra training.

They visit you about 10 days after birth and help you and your baby stay healthy.

Talk to your health visitor if you feel low or worried. They can help you find support groups.

The Perinatal Mental Health Service supports parents during pregnancy and after birth.

Child health clinics

Child health clinics offer:

Some clinics also have baby groups.

If you need help to go to appointments, speak to your PA. Your PA or a keyworker can go with you.

Healthcare for you and your child

Your PA can help you find:

  • GPs
  • midwives
  • health visitors
  • dentists

Your PA or keyworker can go with you to appointments if you need support.

You may get free prescriptions, dental care or help with NHS costs.

Ask your PA or check help with NHS costs - NHS.

Education and pregnancy

If you want to keep studying and need help with childcare before funded childcare starts, talk to your PA.

They will help you find the right support.

See Who can get funded childcare - Surrey County Council

Financial support

Help with everyday parenting costs

Your PA can help you with money, budgeting and finding support in your area.

Stripey Stork and the Baby Bank Alliance can help with baby clothes and supplies.

You may get:

Funded early education and childcare

If you get benefits, your 2 year old may get 15 hours of free early education and childcare (FEET).

Once you get FEET, your child keeps it even if your situation changes.

When your child turns 3, you may get 30 hours a week if you are working.

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