Support for families following an arrest for an online sexual offence

When police arrive at your home, everything can change in a moment.

For many families, there’s no warning. You’re left trying to process what’s happened, while also dealing with practical concerns, uncertainty, and the impact on your wider family life.

Family Matters is here to support you through that.

We work with partners, parents and adult family members following a police warrant for online child sexual abuse. These situations often bring shock, isolation and long periods of uncertainty, many families find there is little or no support available to them other than the arresting officers on the day.

What Family Matters support looks like

If you’re referred into our service, you’ll be supported by a dedicated caseworker who will stay alongside you as things develop.

They can help you to

Understand what’s happening and what comes next
Talk things through in a safe, non-judgemental space
Navigate contact with police, courts and other agencies
Manage practical challenges at home, work or financially
Work with and coordinate and communicate with schools and/or social services

Support usually begins quickly, within 48 hours, and can continue for as long as it’s needed, even beyond conviction.

Where we work

Family Matters is delivered in partnership with police forces across England.

We currently support families in:

West Yorkshire
Leicestershire
West Mercia (Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire)
Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire)
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Warwickshire

Family Matters is not a self-referral service.

Access is through a referral, usually made by the ‘Officer In Charge’ at the time of arrest or their colleague shortly afterward.

If you feel this service could help your family, you can speak to the officer handling your case and request a referral to our team.