We provide and arrange a number of care services to help and support families with children.
We are keen to ensure that the children and young people of Cardiff:
- are healthy
- feel good about their lives
- are safe and protected
- can learn new things
- are able to grow up happily
- are looked after well.
We work in partnership with a range of organisations to provide services to those who need it.
Children's Services Strategy (PDF, 9 MB)
Corporate Parenting Strategy
We have published a Corporate Parenting Strategy 2021-2024 (PDF, 2 MB) which outlines our commitments, challenges and key steps to support looked after children and care leavers across the city.
Working together with partners and the wider community, we all have a responsibility to support looked after children and care leavers in order for them to be happy, safe and thrive.
As part of a consultation with looked after children, five key priorities have been set out in the strategy based on their personal views and experiences. These include:
- Improving emotional well-being and physical health
- Better connections, improved relationships
- A comfortable safe stable home whilst in care and after
- Educational achievement, employment and training
- Celebrating our children and young people
Information, Advice and Assistance
Together we have a duty to provide an information, advice and assistance service to Cardiff residents to improve the well being of people who need care and support. This includes:
- Listening to children and young people's views and feelings
- Treating them with respect
- Being aware of different culture, beliefs and language needs
We have an Early Help Strategy that empowers children and their families to take control of their own well being by providing services that meet their changing needs, so that they are more able to overcome their own difficulties.
Our Aims
We want to help:
- children and young people stay in families
- children and families reduce the effect of disability
- reduce offending rates among children and young people
- reduce the number of children and young people becoming Looked After, where it is safe to do so
- improve the outcomes for children and young people who are Looked After and provide ongoing support into adulthood for care leavers
Listening To You
It is important that we listen to the children, young people, and families we support. We have several ways our young people can have their say.
Advocacy
An Independent Advocate is a person who is not employed by the Cardiff Council's Children's Services and will help you get your voice heard. Advocates can help you understand your rights, make informed decisions about your life and support you to speak up about things that matter to you. Find out more about Advocacy.
Bright Sparks Club
You can join our friendly group of care-experienced children and young people and get your voice heard.
They meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 5pm. You can:
- have your say and tell us what you think about services and how they could be improved
- find out more about your rights and entitlements
- take part in fun games and activities
- get together with others in a similar situation
- If you're interested in joining or want to find out more, contact Sam on 07767 168 478 or [email protected].
Mind of my Own
Mind of my Own have created fully accessible apps that allow you to put down your thoughts and send them to those who need to hear from you.
Find out more about Mind of my Own.
If you would like to have more information, advice or request assistance, please contact us on 029 2053 6490.
If outside of office hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 029 2078 8570.
Get information about services and support available for families in Cardiff.
