Frequently Asked Questions
In this section of the website you will find frequently asked questions about particular issues or situations that affect children and young people and their parents. It is hoped that the answers to these questions will offer people useful information and advice, including links to other websites where appropriate.
Abuse, Violence and Protection:
- I am being racial abused? What can I do?
- Why do bullies do it?
- My child has a learning disability and is being bullied, where can I get advice on how to deal with this?
- What does it feel like to be bullied?
- I am worried about the safety of a child I know, what can I do?
- What do I do if I think a child may be at risk of neglect or abuse?
- What is racism?
- What is child abuse?
- Where can I get Home Fire Safety advice?
- I think my child is bullying other children, what can I do?
- Why are people racist?
- I think my friend is selling herself for sex. How can I tell if this is right?
- I’m being bullied what can I do?
- I have been the victim of crime. Where can I get help to get over it?
- How can I help my friend who is worried about the fighting and arguing at home?
- Who does Domestic Violence happen to?
- What damage can shaking a baby cause?
- How do I know that my child will be safe ?
- Why do young people harm themselves?
- Is my home safe enough for my child?
- What is Domestic Violence or Abuse?
- I am worried that my child is being bullied, how can I tell?
- What is bullying?
- What is work based learning (WBL)?
- I am eligible for the Health in Pregnancy grant?
- If the parent without the main day-to-day care is claiming benefits can child maintenance still be arranged?
- Can I claim for Child Tax Credit?
- Can I claim Working Tax Credit?
- How can I get a tax credit decision changed?
- Our children spend time living with each of us. What does this mean for child maintenance?
- Where can I find out more about funding for Further Education or training?
- What Maternity Leave will I get?
- What can child maintenance options help me with?
- What are my Paternity Leave Rights?
- I'm claiming benefits but would like to get a job. Will my benefits be affected if I start work?
- I am a single parent who is looking to return to work, is there any financial support I can claim for help with childcare costs?
- What happens if the parent without the main day-to-care of the child refuses to pay child maintenance?
- How can I get Direct Payments?
- What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
- Do I qualify for Income support?
- Am I entitled to any benefits now that I am pregnant?
- Whilst doing an Apprenticeship or Entry to Employment will I be paid?
- Can I arrange child maintenance without having contact with the other parent?
- What is a Child Trust Fund?
- What can Child Maintenance Options help me with?
- If I am separating, when should I start arranging child maintenance?
- How can I use my direct payments?
- I am on benefits and am struggling to afford new furniture - who can help?
- What are Healthy Start Vouchers?
- If I'm a parent with the main day-to-day care and I'm claiming benefits can I get child maintenance as well?
- Whats the relationship between child maintenance options and the CSA?
- What are tax credits?
- Where can I open a Child Trust Fund Account?
- What is the Disabled facilities Grant?
- Is my child eligible for child trust fund?
- What are direct payments?
- Who can get Disability Living Allowance?
- How can I find out about Child Benefit?
- What is Entry to Employment (e2e)?
- Can I get help with childcare costs?
- Does your home need warming up? Do you suffer from a disability or long term illness made worse by living in a cold house?Do you need help or guidance with your utility bills?
- What is an apprenticeship?
- Am I entitled to a Maternity Grant?
- Once we've got a child maintenance arrangement in place, can we change it if it's not working?
- What is an asylum seeker?
- What is a refugee?
- Why do refugees flee their homes?
- What is an illegal immigrant?
- Who provides counselling for Asylum Seekers and Refugees?
- Who provides help for refugees?
- Who provides help for refugees?
- I am a parent with a young disabled child, what childcare and support is available?
- Can I claim Working Tax Credit?
- I need to find childcare in Redcar & Cleveland, but I'm not sure what kind of provision is available or what type of childcare would be best for my family?
- I am a single parent who is looking to return to work, is there any financial support I can claim for help with childcare costs?
- I’m looking for a Childminder – how can I be sure of good quality care?
- I an interested in becoming a Childminder, what do I need to do?
- How can I use my direct payments?
- How many children can a Childminder look after at any one time?
- Who can I leave my child with when I need a babysitter?
- What are tax credits?
- What is the difference between a parent & toddler group and a pre-school playgroup?
- What are direct payments?
- What kind of care do day nurseries provide?
- When choosing childcare, how do I make the right choice?
- Can I get help with childcare costs?
- How many children can a day nursery look after at any one time?
- How do I find out about Ofsted inspection results for the childcare in which I am interested?
- I need to find childcare in Redcar & Cleveland, but I'm not sure what kind of provision is available or what type of childcare would be best for my family?
- I’m looking for a Childminder – how can I be sure of good quality care?
- I an interested in becoming a Childminder, what do I need to do?
- How many children can a Childminder look after at any one time?
- Where is my nearest Youth Centre?
- I want to join a football club but I can only go on a Wednesday and Thursday?
- My Daughter wants to start Brownies, how can I find out where the local Brownies are?
- I’m on the school holidays and I’m not sure what to do?
- I’m bored on an evening, what can I do?
- What qualifications do I need to study at a Further Education College?
- Whilst doing an Apprenticeship or Entry to Employment will I be paid?
- What is a college open day?
- Can I have a say in how things are run at the college?
- I’m confused about the different courses and qualifications at college, how can I find out more?
- Am I able to get extra support with my learning if I go to college?
- Do children and young people get depressed?
- What is counselling?
- My child has a learning disability and is being bullied, where can I get advice on how to deal with this?
- How can we get help for children and young people who are depressed?
- My dad died recently and we all miss him and talk about that - but sometimes I also feel angry with him for leaving us. Is it OK to feel like that?
- Can I get help and support with bereavement?
- How can play therapy help my child?
- Where do I go to find a counsellor for my child?
- What is Play therapy?
- What is bereavement?
- What is Postnatal Depression?
- My dad is in prison – is there information to help me understand about this?
- What powers will the Police Community Support Officers have?
- What will Police Community Support Officers do?
- My dad is in prison – can children visit?
- I have to be a witness in court and am worried about this. Can I be helped?
- I have been the victim of crime. Where can I get help to get over it?
- What is a Police Community Support Officer?
- What is the Final Warning scheme?
- What is the Antisocial Behaviour campaign (ABC)?
- If the parent without the main day-to-day care is claiming benefits can child maintenance still be arranged?
- What can child maintenance options help me with?
- I need to find childcare in Redcar & Cleveland, but I'm not sure what kind of provision is available or what type of childcare would be best for my family?
- Can I arrange child maintenance without having contact with the other parent?
- What can Child Maintenance Options help me with?
- If I am separating, when should I start arranging child maintenance?
- If I'm a parent with the main day-to-day care and I'm claiming benefits can I get child maintenance as well?
- Whats the relationship between child maintenance options and the CSA?
- What kind of care do day nurseries provide?
- Is my child entitled to free early education and how do I find out more?
- How many children can a day nursery look after at any one time?
- Once we've got a child maintenance arrangement in place, can we change it if it's not working?
- I have mortgage arrears. What should I do?
- How can I get Direct Payments?
- I have a county court judgement against me over an unpaid credit card debt and the card issuer has threatened me with bailiffs. What can I do?
- I am on benefits and am struggling to afford new furniture - who can help?
- Is there a telephone helpline where I can get advice about being in debt?
- My debts are getting out of control and I can’t possibly pay them all. What can I do?
- I am going to live on my own for the first time and am worried about how to manage my budget. What can I do to prevent getting into debt?
- I live in Redcar and Cleveland - where can I get advice about being in debt?
- I am a parent with a young disabled child, what childcare and support is available?
- My child has a learning disability and is being bullied, where can I get advice on how to deal with this?
- What is Autism?
- What is a special educational need?
- What is Aspergers Syndrome?
- Who is a lead professional?
- Do Children grow out of ADHD?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- How can I get Direct Payments?
- What is the Common Assessment Framework?
- What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
- What problems can people with a learning disability have with their diet?
- What are the signs for ADHD?
- I am disabled and would like to continue my education, but not at school. Are there places for my particular needs?
- I have found out my child is disabled, how am I going to cope?
- How can I use my direct payments?
- What is the Disability Register?
- How will the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) help my family?
- What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD?
- Does it matter whether you get a diagnosis of disability for your child or not?
- Who do I contact for advice as I think my child may have a hearing problem?
- I care for my disabled child. Is there support available for me as a carer?
- I am disabled and find it difficult to use public transport. Is there help available with this?
- What are direct payments?
- Why Is It So Hard to Get a Diagnosis for Disabilities?
- Who can get Disability Living Allowance?
- How does NHS LifeCheck help to reduce health inequalities?
- What is a drug?
- I think my daughter is using drugs, what are the signs?
- What is the difference between drug use and drug misuse?
- I am worried about my teenager drinking, what can I do?
- At what age can a child be left alone?
- Where can I get help and advice about teenage pregnancy?
- Where did NHS LifeCheck come from?
- I am a parent with a young disabled child, what childcare and support is available?
- I am eligible for the Health in Pregnancy grant?
- If the parent without the main day-to-day care is claiming benefits can child maintenance still be arranged?
- How do I find out more about National Citizen Service (NCS)?
- My child has a learning disability and is being bullied, where can I get advice on how to deal with this?
- What is adoption?
- My child has started biting, how do I stop this?
- My parents are splitting and I think it’s my fault?
- Can I claim for Child Tax Credit?
- When should I potty train my child?
- According to the Doctor my child needs to lose weight. How can I stop my child gaining weight? I am worried he/she is becoming obese and unhealthy.
- What is Autism?
- What is Aspergers Syndrome?
- How can I get a tax credit decision changed?
- Our children spend time living with each of us. What does this mean for child maintenance?
- When will NHS LifeCheck be available?
- I am worried about the safety of a child I know, what can I do?
- How can I get my teenager to talk to me more?
- What can child maintenance options help me with?
- What is Private Fostering?
- Who is a lead professional?
- Do Children grow out of ADHD?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- What are my Paternity Leave Rights?
- My child is not sleeping through the night, what can I do?
- Where can I get support if I don't know why my child needs help?
- What happens if the parent without the main day-to-care of the child refuses to pay child maintenance?
- I’m having trouble coping with my 5 year old son’s behaviour, I feel I’m a bad parent.
- What is the Common Assessment Framework?
- Why shouldn't I smack my child?
- How does the NHS LifeCheck work?
- I think my daughter is using drugs, what are the signs?
- Where can I get advice on being a Parent?
- Where can I get Home Fire Safety advice?
- How can I prepare my child for school?
- Can I arrange child maintenance without having contact with the other parent?
- How can play help my child?
- If I am separating, when should I start arranging child maintenance?
- Where can I get more information about NHS LifeCheck?
- I have been adopted/my child has been adopted/we have adopted a child. Where can we find independent advice, information, counselling and support?
- How will the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) help my family?
- What are the signs of depression?
- How do I become a Foster Carer?
- What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD?
- If I'm a parent with the main day-to-day care and I'm claiming benefits can I get child maintenance as well?
- Whats the relationship between child maintenance options and the CSA?
- I am worried about my teenager, he/she has dropped all old friends and is now hanging out with older crowd, he/she is buying clothes, games and stuff and won't tell me where he/she is getting money from.
- Who can I leave my child with when I need a babysitter?
- How can play therapy help my child?
- Does it matter whether you get a diagnosis of disability for your child or not?
- I think my child is bullying other children, what can I do?
- I am worried I can't cope and will be a bad parent?
- Who do I contact for advice as I think my child may have a hearing problem?
- How can unmarried fathers get legal responsibility?
- I am in care, where can I find information about the law and my rights?
- My baby cries all the time, what can I do?
- What are the current school term dates?
- My child has been skipping school, how do I know he/she is at school?
- How do I register a birth, marriage or death?
- I am worried about my teenager drinking, what can I do?
- Where do I go to find a counsellor for my child?
- Why should I talk to my son/daughter about sex?
- What is Play therapy?
- Where can I get help towards the cost of home safety equipment for my young children?
- How do I know that my child will be safe ?
- Why Is It So Hard to Get a Diagnosis for Disabilities?
- How can I find out about Child Benefit?
- Can children get arthritis?
- I’m a father do I have parental responsibility for my child?
- I wish I knew where I could breastfeed my baby when I'm out and about?
- I am concerned about my childs eyesight that he/she may have a squint, what should I do?
- What is NHS LifeCheck?
- What can I do if my child is overweight?
- Am I entitled to a Maternity Grant?
- My child keeps bedwetting, how can I stop this?
- What is Parental Responsibility?
- When should I start weaning my baby onto foods?
- My child is a fussy eater and it is difficult to get him/her to eat, what can I do?
- How can I deal with my child's temper tantrums?
- My baby constantly cries, what can I do?
- Once we've got a child maintenance arrangement in place, can we change it if it's not working?
- What is work based learning (WBL)?
- How old do I have to be to get a part-time job?
- Where can I find out more about funding for Further Education or training?
- I'm claiming benefits but would like to get a job. Will my benefits be affected if I start work?
- Can I get a job while still at school?
- Where can I start to look for work?
- I have a disability and I'm having difficulty finding work. Where can I get some help?
- What is the National Minimum Wage?
- What is Entry to Employment (e2e)?
- What is an apprenticeship?
- I have a disability and I'm having difficulty finding work. Where can I get some help?
- Where can I get help and advice about teenage pregnancy?
- Where did NHS LifeCheck come from?
- How can I find an NHS dentist?
- I am eligible for the Health in Pregnancy grant?
- How does NHS LifeCheck help to reduce health inequalities?
- What is thrush?
- According to the Doctor my child needs to lose weight. How can I stop my child gaining weight? I am worried he/she is becoming obese and unhealthy.
- What is Autism?
- What is Aspergers Syndrome?
- What is cerebral palsy?
- When will NHS LifeCheck be available?
- How can I see my Doctor without my parents knowing?
- My child is going into hospital. Can I stay there?
- What is asthma and what are its symptoms?
- Do Children grow out of ADHD?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- How can I reduce the risk of cot death?
- Where can I get support if I don't know why my child needs help?
- What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
- What problems can people with a learning disability have with their diet?
- When are vaccinations given?
- How does the NHS LifeCheck work?
- Where can people access NHS LifeCheck?
- What temperature is a 'fever' in children?
- Where can I get more information about NHS LifeCheck?
- What are Healthy Start Vouchers?
- What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD?
- Does it matter whether you get a diagnosis of disability for your child or not?
- Can I give aspirin to my 12 year old child?
- Why is it dangerous to my health if I have an Eating Disorder?
- Who do I contact for advice as I think my child may have a hearing problem?
- What are Eating Disorders?
- What is the Disabled facilities Grant?
- I am disabled and find it difficult to use public transport. Is there help available with this?
- How do I register with a GP?
- My child suffers with eczema, what is the best treatment?
- Where is my nearest hospital?
- Does my child have the right to refuse medical treatment?
- Why Is It So Hard to Get a Diagnosis for Disabilities?
- Can children get arthritis?
- I wish I knew where I could breastfeed my baby when I'm out and about?
- Does your home need warming up? Do you suffer from a disability or long term illness made worse by living in a cold house?Do you need help or guidance with your utility bills?
- I am concerned about my childs eyesight that he/she may have a squint, what should I do?
- What is NHS LifeCheck?
- What can I do if my child is overweight?
- What is Postnatal Depression?
- My child is a fussy eater and it is difficult to get him/her to eat, what can I do?
- My baby constantly cries, what can I do?
- The housing office said I am a priority need, what does this mean?
- If I am homeless, am I entitled to benefits?
- I was told I have made myself intentionally homeless, what does this mean?
- Once I have left my tenancy, do I still have to pay my rent arrears?
- Where can I get advice about renting my own home?
- If I get evicted because of rent arrears, will it stop me getting a loan or credit?
- Who will sort out my housing benefit?
- I am homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, where can I get help?
- Can I get evicted if I have kids?
- My child has been threatened with exclusion from his school. What is exclusion and what are my rights as a parent?
- What provision is there for children with special educational needs?
- What is a special educational need?
- What provision is available for preschool children with complex needs and how do I access these services?
- What is the Behaviour for Learning Support Service?
- Can I be fined for taking my child on holiday during term time?
- The school wants to refer my child to the Learning Support team, how can they help?
- Who can you talk to about your child’s education where you feel he or she may need help?
- I am disabled and would like to continue my education, but not at school. Are there places for my particular needs?
- Does it matter whether you get a diagnosis of disability for your child or not?
- What is the Education Welfare Service?
- My child has been skipping school, how do I know he/she is at school?
- Do I have to pay for school trips?
- What is EOTAS?
- What can I borrow from the library?
- How do I join the Library?
- What else happens at the Library apart from borrowing books?
- Where did NHS LifeCheck come from?
- What is Schizophrenia?
- How does NHS LifeCheck help to reduce health inequalities?
- What are the signs of anxiety?
- What is Autism?
- What Is ADHD? (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder)
- What Is Autism and Asperger Syndrome?
- What causes depression?
- What is Depression?
- Where can I get support if I don't know why my child needs help?
- What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
- How does the NHS LifeCheck work?
- What are the signs for ADHD?
- Where can people access NHS LifeCheck?
- Where can I get more information about NHS LifeCheck?
- What are the signs of depression?
- Does it matter whether you get a diagnosis of disability for your child or not?
- Why Is It So Hard to Get a Diagnosis for Disabilities?
- Who can get Disability Living Allowance?
- What is Anxiety?
- What treatment is available for mental health problems?
- I think my child is self-harming. What should I do?
- I am a parent with a young disabled child, what childcare and support is available?
- I need to find childcare in Redcar & Cleveland, but I'm not sure what kind of provision is available or what type of childcare would be best for my family?
- I’m looking for a Childminder – how can I be sure of good quality care?
- What is the difference between a parent & toddler group and a pre-school playgroup?
- What kind of care do day nurseries provide?
- Is my child entitled to free early education and how do I find out more?
- How many children can a day nursery look after at any one time?
- How do I find out about Ofsted inspection results for the childcare in which I am interested?
- My child has been threatened with exclusion from his school. What is exclusion and what are my rights as a parent?
- What provision is there for children with special educational needs?
- Is my child entitled to free school dinners?
- At what age will my child start in primary school?
- What is the Behaviour for Learning Support Service?
- How do I apply for a school place?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- Can I be fined for taking my child on holiday during term time?
- The school wants to refer my child to the Learning Support team, how can they help?
- How can I prepare my child for school?
- How do I find out in which school admission zone I reside?
- What is the Education Welfare Service?
- What are the current school term dates?
- Do I have to pay for school trips?
- How do I decide on which school would best suit my child’s needs?
- How do I found out about Ofsted inspection results for the Primary School in which I am interested?
- If the parent without the main day-to-day care is claiming benefits can child maintenance still be arranged?
- How can I get a tax credit decision changed?
- Our children spend time living with each of us. What does this mean for child maintenance?
- What can child maintenance options help me with?
- When does advocacy help?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- What happens if the parent without the main day-to-care of the child refuses to pay child maintenance?
- Can I arrange child maintenance without having contact with the other parent?
- What can Child Maintenance Options help me with?
- If I am separating, when should I start arranging child maintenance?
- If I'm a parent with the main day-to-day care and I'm claiming benefits can I get child maintenance as well?
- Whats the relationship between child maintenance options and the CSA?
- How can unmarried fathers get legal responsibility?
- I need legal advice, where can I get it?
- I am in care, where can I find information about the law and my rights?
- I’m a father do I have parental responsibility for my child?
- What does civil law mean?
- What is advocacy?
- What is Parental Responsibility?
- What is Legal Aid and who can get it?
- Once we've got a child maintenance arrangement in place, can we change it if it's not working?
- My child has been threatened with exclusion from his school. What is exclusion and what are my rights as a parent?
- What are school admission zones and how do I find out in which zone I live?
- What provision is there for children with special educational needs?
- Is my child entitled to free school dinners?
- What is the Behaviour for Learning Support Service?
- How do I apply for a school place?
- Are the records of people with a learning disability confidential?
- Can I be fined for taking my child on holiday during term time?
- The school wants to refer my child to the Learning Support team, how can they help?
- How do I find out in which school admission zone I reside?
- What subjects will my child be taught in school?
- What is the Education Welfare Service?
- What are the current school term dates?
- Do I have to pay for school trips?
- How do I decide on which school would best suit my child’s needs?
- How do I find out about Ofsted inspection results for the Secondary School in which I am interested?
- Where can I get help and advice about teenage pregnancy?
- Where did NHS LifeCheck come from?
- I am being racial abused? What can I do?
- Why do bullies do it?
- What is a Sexually transmitted Infection?
- Only teenage girls suffer with Eating Disorders?
- How does NHS LifeCheck help to reduce health inequalities?
- What is thrush?
- Where can I get contraceptive advice?
- What does it feel like to be bullied?
- When will NHS LifeCheck be available?
- How can I see my Doctor without my parents knowing?
- I think I’m pregnant, what should I do?
- How do you get HIV?
- I’ve had sex with my boyfriend without contraception, I won’t get pregnant will I?
- Why is it dangerous to my health if I have an Eating Disorder?
- What are Eating Disorders?
- What are HIV and AIDS?
- I’m 16 and pregnant, I don’t know what to do?
- I’m being bullied what can I do?
- How can I help my friend who is worried about the fighting and arguing at home?
- Why should I talk to my son/daughter about sex?
- What is Anxiety?
- Why do young people harm themselves?
- Is my son/daughter gay?
- What is self-harm?
- I am gay/lesbian. Where can I talk to someone about it?
- I am worried that my child is being bullied, how can I tell?
- What is bullying?
- I want to join a football club but I can only go on a Wednesday and Thursday?
- Where can I find out information about my local leisure centre?
- I am disabled but would like to try a sport, where can I go?
- My child has a learning disability and is being bullied, where can I get advice on how to deal with this?
- My dad is in prison – is there information to help me understand about this?
- My parents are splitting and I think it’s my fault?
- What is Autism?
- Do Children grow out of ADHD?
- Where can I get support if I don't know why my child needs help?
- My dad is in prison – can children visit?