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Know your rights, how to get involved and further information


You can find information below on your rights and how to access further information in relation to Together for Families' services: 

How to find the information you need

Glossary and Jargon Buster

We try to keep our website and conversations with you straightforward, and free from jargon. However, there are some technical words that we use. Find out what some of the specialist terms mean. There is also a list of some of the professional care software tools and systems we use, which explains what they are for.

Visit our SEND glossary and jargon buster


Accessibility Information

If you need information in alternative formats, we can usually provide it. 

You can use the button at the top of the screen to read the pages on our website for you.

We offer information in alternative formats, such as large print, Easy Read, audio, and in alternative languages. 

Read about our accessibility options


Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service

This service helps children and young people in two ways.

Advocacy helps them have a voice. An advocate listens and makes sure their views are heard when decisions are made about their lives. It is for vulnerable children aged 6–18, or up to 25 if they have a disability. This includes those in care, in child protection processes, seeking asylum, or with a disability.

An Independent Visitor is a trusted adult for a child in care. They build a long-term friendship and spend time together doing simple activities like going for walks or to the cinema. They are independent from the Local Authority and support ages 6–18, or up to 25 if disabled.

This service is delivered by Barnardos on behalf of the Council. 

Find out more about our advocacy offer


Your rights to information and support

Privacy notices

Our privacy notices set out when and how we process personal information about you, your family, and for what purposes. 

Read our privacy notices


Comments, Compliments and Complaints

It is important that we hear feedback about your experiences of Together for Families, so that we know what we are doing well and where we need to improve. How to provide feedback


Appealing against a decision made by Together for Families

You can appeal decisions made by Together for Families that relates to:


How you can get involved

Children's Rights

In January 2026 Cornwall Council formally adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This means that Cornwall Council promises to consider the rights of children in everything it does. This will help ensure that the children of Cornwall are protected, treated fairly, and listened to. The UNCRC will help guide the decision-makers in Cornwall, at the Council, at schools, and in other services. Young people’s best interests will be a priority.

Find out more about Children's Rights


Together for Families governance

Our links with the NHS

Together for Families works closely with the NHS, to provide support for children, young people and their families across Cornwall. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System offers joined up services between Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Integrated Care Board, which is the umbrella organisation for GP practices, and the wider NHS. Also involved are other services such as Housing and the Police, and the voluntary sector.  Visit the Integrated Care System website


Together for Families Commissioning

Children’s commissioning is how we plan, buy, and improve services for children, young people, and their families. It makes sure the right support is in place at the right time. We focus on early help, strong outcomes, and working with partners and providers. Visit the full page to learn how we design services, work with the market, and support high‑quality care across Cornwall.Find out more about commissioning

Research Governance Framework

The Research Governance Framework (RGF) for health and social care considers and approves research in the sector. It is a statutory duty for adults and children’s social work in our Adult Social Care and Together for Families directorates.

Find out how to make an application

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form