Frequently Asked Questions

Oracle provides independent social-work support for families involved with Children Services, Cafcass and Family Court Processes. We can review and scrutinise assessments and reports, prepare you for assessments, attend professional meetings alongside you (CIN/CP/PLO/ICPC/RCPC/Core group), help you understand and respond to concerns, support complaints and provide ongoing Child In Need, Child Protection and PLO support. Our support is tailorerd to your circumstances and provided by Independent Social Workers who work exclusively for families, never Local Authorities.

No two families or cases are the same. Rather than telling you what to do, we help you understand your options, the likely implications of each, and make informed decisions based on your own circumstances. Our role is to provide independent, evidence-led professional guidance, helping you understand what professionals may be looking for, how decisions are made and how best to respond. You make the decisions. We make sure they are informed ones. Where we notice any malpractice or injustice, we will advise you on the best course of action and support you with the process, whether it is following a complaints process or directly informing Social Work England.

Yes. All information shared is treated confidentially and handled in accordance with professional standards. However, confidentiality may be limited where there are safeguarding concerns or legal obligations to share information.

No. This service provides independent social work guidance and does not replace legal advice. Where appropriate, you may be advised to seek advice from a qualified legal professional.

The consultation is designed to help you understand your situation from a professional social-work perspective. Your Independent Social Worker will listen to your concerns, review the information you provide, explain how professionals are likely to view your circumstances and identify any strengths, risks or areas that may need addressing. Where appropriate, we will discuss your options, recommend practical next steps and explain how Oracle may be able to support you further. Our aim is for you to leave the consultation feeling informed, prepared and clearer about what happens next.

Oracle is an independent private social work service and we do not receive Legal Aid funding or funding from Local Authorities. Our Independent Social Workers work exclusively for families, allowing us to remain completely independent of the organisations making decisions about your family. Like a privately instructed solicitor, or other independent professional, our work is funded directly by the families who choose to instruct us. Our independence is one of our greatest strengths. It means our professional judgement belongs to the evidence, not to the organisation funding us. There are excellent free organisations, such as the Family Rights Group, which provide information to families. Their work is much needed for those unable to pay privately. Oracle provides a different type of support, offering independent social-work expertise, including assessment scrutiny, meeting attendance, professional advocacy and ongoing case support tailored to your individual circumstances.

That’s completely understandable. Every family’s circumstances are different, and many people contact us because they are unsure what support they need. If you’re uncertain, book an initial consultation or request a clarity call via our Whatsapp function. Your Independent Social Worker will take the time to understand your situation, explain where Oracle can add value and be honest if we believe another form of support would be more appropriate. Our priority is helping you make the right decision for your family, not simply recommending our services.