We work with young people to ensure we deliver better initiatives for young people. We deal with new facilities for children and young people including the upgrading and modernisation of existing play areas. We also co-ordinate the Ashford Youth Forum Trust and other neighbourhood forums so that we can better understand the needs of young people.

We have developed the What Matters website to address the issues raised in the What Matters Strategy.

We do not provide social care services for Children and Young People as this is the responsibility of Kent County Council.  Their website deals with services such as Adoption, Fostering, Child Protection and Looked after children.  Through the same site you can access Education and Learning and Youth and Social Care. You can also visit their website for young people, ToGoGo.

The Kent and Medway NHS website gives information about support groups which include Disabilities, Carers, Bereavement and Mental Wellbeing. They also offer advice on bullying, and Kent Safeguarding Children gives good advice for parents whilst the What Matters website gives advice for young people.

Childcare - Preschool / After School

The Childrens Information Service (CIS) provide free, accurate and impartial advice and guidance on all aspects of childcare provision, early years education grants and advice on careers in childcare. Telephone 08000 32 32 30 or email KentCIS.

The Kent Early Years & Childcare Unit co-ordinates and develops pre-school and out-of-school provision for children up to the age of 14 (or 16 for children with Additional Education Needs). They also provides information and advice about early years and childcare provision.

OfSTED registers and inspects childminders, playgroups, non-maintained nurseries, out-of-school clubs and playschemes to ensure they provide a safe environment for young children. Telephone 0845 6014771.
For national and regional childcare searches visit SureStart ChildLink.

Adoption and Fostering

Adoption services and enquiries within the borough are dealt with by Kent County Council's adoption unit.

Kent County Council are also responsible for all fostering services within the county.  Outlook Fostering in Ashford will provide good local support. 

Child Protection

Kent County Council have set up the Kent Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB) which provides information for everyone in Kent who is concerned about safeguarding children and meeting their needs. That particularly includes children, parents, and everyone in Kent whose work brings them into contact with children and families.

If you are not sure whether a child is suffering but are worried, or if you are concerned that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse in the past, please contact Kent Social Services, Kent Police or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC):

• Social Services - County Duty Service, telephone 0845 330 2967
• Kent Police - ask to speak to someone in the Child Protection Unit, telephone 01622 690690
• NSPCC - telephone 0808 800 5000

Carelines

Childline is a free, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger, telephone 0800 1111

Connexions offer advice for young people aged 13-19, telephone 01227 479150

Children's Homes

Children's homes within the borough are maintained by Kent County Council Social Services.