How it works
From first contact to a clear case plan.
Not every enquiry becomes a case. The steps below are designed to keep the work focused, independent and manageable.
The 10-step case process
Initial enquiry
You explain what happened, the outcome you want, the organisation involved, any deadline and whether you are in Kent or Medway. Please do not send a full evidence bundle yet.
Scope & geography check
We check whether the issue fits our Kent & Medway service and advocacy boundaries.
Conflict check
We consider whether personal, professional or organisational connections could affect our independence.
Capacity decision
We accept, decline or signpost. We deliberately limit active cases rather than promising support we cannot deliver properly.
Case opening & authority
If accepted, we confirm the issue we are helping with, service boundaries, privacy information and any authority needed to speak with organisations.
Evidence & chronology
We request only the information needed, organise the key events and identify what evidence supports which point.
Case analysis
We identify the decision-maker, unanswered questions, missing evidence, deadlines and realistic outcomes.
Agreed action
Evidence request, review, complaint, meeting, correspondence, escalation or signposting — depending on what the case actually requires. Where useful and permitted, this may include attending a relevant meeting with you.
Follow-through
Responses and deadlines are tracked. If the answer changes the issue, the plan changes too.
Outcome & closure
We record what changed, what did not change, remaining responsibilities and any next route.
Meetings & multi-agency work
If the case needs a meeting, preparation is only half the job.
Where appropriate and agreed by the chair or lead professional, In Your Corner may support a parent at Early Help reviews, Child in Need reviews, Child Protection Conferences, core groups and other relevant meetings. The role is to help the parent prepare, participate, understand decisions and keep actions and dates visible — not to take over the statutory process.
One important point
You remain the parent and decision-maker.
Authority to communicate does not mean In Your Corner takes control of your child, your decisions or your legal rights. We agree the advocacy scope with you and significant decisions remain yours unless a specific lawful arrangement says otherwise.
You remain responsible for deadlines unless we expressly accept a specific action in writing. Keep important dates visible with the Case Deadline & Decision Tracker.