For parents and carers

Being involved in the child protection system can be a stressful time for families. Involving parents, carers, and family members throughout the process is key to achieving the best outcome for both the child and the family.

If you haven't been given a named social worker, the Children and Families Social Work Team have a Duty Social Worker available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Your social worker will keep you informed of what's happening, answer your questions and concerns, listen to your views and take them into account, and offer advice and support.

Advocacy Orkney provides independent advocacy support and can be reached on 01856 870111.

If you feel you or your child haven't been treated fairly during this process, you have the right to make a complaint: 

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback

We want to hear about your experiences with Orkney Health and Care (OHAC), whether you have a complaint, a compliment or a suggestion for improvement.

If you are unhappy with a service you have received, or something we have done or not done, please let us know so we can investigate and improve. We also welcome positive feedback and ideas that could help us provide better services for people in Orkney.

If your complaint relates to the Orkney Integration Joint Board (IJB), please refer to the IJB Complaints Handling Procedure.

How can I get in touch?

If the service is provided by Orkney Islands Council, you can contact us directly.

If the service is provided by NHS Orkney

You can contact us. 

If you are unsure which organisation provides the service, contact either the Council or NHS Orkney and your enquiry will be passed to the correct team.

Child-Friendly Complaints

Children and young people have the right to have their views heard when a complaint affects them.

This applies when:

• A child makes a complaint directly.
• An adult makes a complaint on behalf of a child.
• An adult raises concerns about an issue affecting a child.

In these situations, we will make sure the child's views are included as part of the complaint process.

Following the introduction of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, we are updating our Child-Friendly Complaints Policy. Further information will be available soon.

Advocacy Support

If you need help making a complaint or providing feedback, advocacy services are available to support you and help ensure your views are heard.

Advocacy Orkney provides independent advocacy support for people of all ages and can be contacted by phone. 

Children and young people who are involved with social work services can also access independent advocacy through Who Cares? Scotland, whether or not they have care experience.