We welcome families of children and young people with additional needs, mental health needs, adopted or looked after children, developmental concerns, or those seeking connection. Darlington Parent Carer Forum (DPCF) is a parent led Forum for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabled children and young people. The Forum provides opportunities
for parents and carers to come together and discuss issues that effect the lives of their children and young people and work in partnership with the Council, health services and other service providers to ensure that information, services and support meet the needs of those using them. Darlington Parent Carer Forum believes that as parents and carers you are the real experts in understanding how information, services and support best meets your childs and your needs and your views are key to the future development of these. DPCF has established good working relationships with the Council, health services and other services, who are all committed to working in partnership with DPCF to ensure that parents and carers in Darlington have meaningful opportunities to participate, have a voice and influence decision making and service development resulting in real change to ensure that information, services and support meet the needs of those using them. DPCF is funded by a Department for Education grant through Contact a Family and is a member of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF). DPCF is made up offer 500 parents and carers from across Darlington and always welcomes new members. Becoming a member is easy and how involved you become with DPCF is entirely up to you;
• You may simply want to receive information to be kept up to date with what is happening
• Follow us on Facebook or join our closed discussion group.
• Attend our events
• You may join one of our Focus Groups to share your views and work with other parents and carers to influence decision making and service development
• Represent the views of parents and carers at various Steering Groups
• Represent DPCF at local, regional and national events
• Or a combination of the above
For more information about how to become a member and how you can be involved please get in touch.