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Each local authority is obliged to ensure that action is taken in respect of any child who may require support or is at risk of suffering harm.
While in many scenarios, social services only intervene briefly to offer guidance and support to the family (which may be done formally, under a Child in Need Plan or a Child Protection Plan), there are instances where they may consider it necessary to seek a Care or Supervision Order.
If you or someone in your family has been approached by social services, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately. Disregarding the situation or failing to attend meetings and court hearings can result in crucial decisions being made about your family's future without your input.
Our team of dedicated child welfare lawyers are well-versed in these intricate legal matters and can guide you through your choices and their implications.
Rely on us to:
- Advise you on your options and the strength of the local authority's case against you;
- Represent your interests in dealings with social services;
- Attend essential meetings on your behalf;
- Offer advice on any documents, reports, or agreements you might be asked to sign; and
- Represent you in court.
What happens in Child Care Proceedings?
Ultimately, the court will be asked to decide what is best for a child's future. Ideally, this will be agreed between all parties, but this may not be the case (for example, there may be a dispute about the parent's ability to look after the child, where the child should live and who the child should spend time with).
How long do Care Proceedings last?
There will usually be at least two court hearings but sometimes there are more, for example, if the case is complex and it becomes necessary to obtain expert evidence. The court will aim to complete your case within 26 weeks.
What might the outcome be?
There are a range of orders available to the court and it very much depends on the circumstances of your case and what is best for the child. In addition to ensuring that the child remains with family, this could include the court making the local authority responsible for the child or authorising the local authority to place the child for adoption. The orders that can be made are significant and could have a lifelong impact on your family, so it is important that you seek advice at the earliest opportunity.
Contact Richard Westley on 01827 317070 or family@pickerings-solicitors.com
