Home and families

Young carers

Young carers are children or young people who look after a member of their family who can’t care for themselves for some reason. This might be
because they are sick, disabled, have mental health issues or are misusing drugs or alcohol. Read more about Young carers

Family relationships

Each family is different. They are made up of different people, with different needs, ideas and ways of behaving. This can make a family a special group, but can also mean that getting on together is not always easy. Young people often talk to ChildLine about their families - it can be how much they enjoy their family but also can be about feeling left out or that they don’t get on with them. Read more about Family relationships

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is when a grown up threatens, bullies, or hurts another adult in the family. Sometimes it’s called domestic abuse. It can happen between parents, married couples, girlfriends and boyfriends, in gay or lesbian relationships, or after a couple has split up. Domestic violence can happen to anybody. Read more about Domestic violence

Homelessness & running away

Homelessness is having nowhere to live. A runaway is someone who has run away or is seriously thinking about running away. Read more about Homelessness & running away

Divorce and separation

Separation or splitting up is when two adults who have been in a relationship decide to live apart and end their relationship.  This might be a temporary arrangement, and may get back together in the future, or they may decide to  split up forever.

Divorce is the legal end of a marriage. This means that two people who are currently married decide to get a divorce. When someone is divorced, this means that they are free to get married again.

Parents and alcohol

Lots of people drink alcohol, and in sensible amounts it's usually fine, but drinking to excess can cause lots of problems and lasting damage to your body. If a parent is drinking too much, this can affect you too. Read more about Parents and alcohol

Living in care

Living in care is when you live away from your parents, either with foster parents, other family members, in a care home, a residential school or secure accommodation. Read more about Living in care

Stepfamilies

Stepfamilies come together when parents marry again or live with a new partner. It can also mean that children from different families end up living together for all or part of the time. Read more about Stepfamilies

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a celebration of all mums and a chance to show your Mum that you love and appreciate her.  If you get on with your Mum then it’s a great time to show her you care. Read more about Mother's Day

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a celebration of all dads and a chance to show your dad that you love and appreciate him. If you get on with your dad then it’s a great time to show him you care. It’s not always easy though if you don’t get on with your dad, or he’s not around for some reason - it can make Father’s Day a difficult time of year for some people. Read more about Father's Day

Forced marriage

A forced marriage is one where people are made to get married against their will. It may also involve physical or emotional abuse. Read more about Forced marriage

NSPCC Face to Face support service

Cared for away from home? Get help and support from the NSPCC Face to Face support service. You can meet with a trained NSPCC counsellor to help you sort out what's worrying you. It’s free, friendly and confidential.