A Care Proceedings Solicitor You Can Trust
Our Children Law specialists are experts in dealing with complex and sensitive childcare proceedings. We represent thousands of people each year across the UK.
At a distressing and difficult time, we are here to give advice and support without judgement. We can provide assistance and advice to parents, family members, children, and guardians across all aspects of childcare proceedings.
The welfare of children is always paramount, and responsibility lies first and foremost with the parents. The Local Authority’s social services departments are under a legal obligation to intervene if they believe children may be at risk and are concerned about a child and their welfare.
The intervention and investigations can be hugely traumatic for everyone, and given their complexity and consequences, it’s essential that you seek expert help from a care proceedings solicitor at the earliest opportunity.
How We Can Help
Our Children Law specialists can support you and your family with any matter relating to children’s law, such as:
- Where children may have suffered sexual abuse, physical or emotional harm
- When Social Services raise concerns about a child’s safety
- When a child is at risk of being taken into care
- Where family members wish to care for a child who is at risk of being taken or has been taken into care
- When a Local Authority seeks an Emergency Protection Order
- Cases surrounding non-accidental injuries
- With other aspects of social care involvement with children, including;
– pre-proceedings (PLO) meetings
– case conferences
– child assessment orders
– child protection reviews
- When parents wish to make contact with children in care
- Where parents seek the return of a child in care and the discharging of care orders
- Where parenting is compromised through addiction, mental health issues or learning disabilities
- Where children have special needs
Our children’s law specialists are supportive, patient and non-judgemental advisors. They will carefully explain all the procedures involved in child care cases to help remove any fear, worry or uncertainty about the legal process.
As highly experienced specialists, they will use their skills and knowledge to support you and ensure the best possible outcome for the child. They will examine all funding options such as Legal Aid to make quality advice as accessible and affordable as possible.
They are also here to offer appropriate help and support in the aftermath of an investigation.
Care Proceedings FAQs
How Long Do Care Proceedings Take?
It can take up to 26 weeks (6 months) for a court to decide what will happen to your child, however, if the case is more complex, it may take longer.
What happens at court?
At the start of the court proceedings, Social Services will ask the family court to make a temporary court order if they are worried about your children. If the court agrees, then Social Services can take your child into temporary foster care or place with someone in your family.
What Happens After the First Court Hearing?
Over the following months after the first hearing, social workers and other professionals will assess you and your children. They will then make recommendations to the court about what they think is the best outcome for your child in the long term.
What Do I Do if Social Services are Involved With My Family?
It is always best to ask a solicitor for advice about social services’ concerns and discuss the options with us.
Social Services are Involved With My Family, Will I Get Legal Aid?
Yes. Legal aid is available, before and during court proceedings.
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