A guide to child protection for Roma parents

If you have been contacted by Children's Services you may feel confused or scared. You may be worried about what could happen to your children.

It's important you stay calm, and get support from a community organisation that can help you understand:

what's happening,
what Children's Services want, and
the best way for you to respond.

Community organisations who work with Roma in London

Roma Support Group

Roma Support Group is a Roma-led charity working with East European Roma refugees and migrants.

Email info@romasupportgroup.org.uk

Website www.romasupportgroup.org.uk

Make an appointment for support: 07903883748 (Tuesdays only 10.00 – 11.00)

General enquiries: 07949 089778

Friends Families and Travellers

Friends Families and Travellers aim to end racism and discrimination against Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, culture or background, whether settled or mobile, and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. Contact this organisation for advice and support.

Services directory - find support near you: https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/services-directory/ 

Website https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/

Call 01273 234 777

Email fft@gypsy-traveller.org

You will find a list of community organisations who work with Roma in England at the end of this page.

Below you will also find a guide to child protection for Roma parents by Law for Life. They have created this guide for Roma families, but the information is also relevant for any other parents living in England who are contacted by Children's Services about their children.

The guide explains:

The different ways Children’s Services can become involved with your family from early help to court proceedings,
How to build a positive relationship with social workers for the sake of your child and your whole family, and,
when and why you should get legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in children law.

Knowing and understanding more will help you feel less scared about what is happening.

Each country has its own laws. If you have come to live in England from another country, some of the English laws may be different from what you are used to. While you live in England, these are the laws that apply to you and your family.