Meridian Family Law – passionate about children’s welfare
We regularly represent both children and other family members in Court when Social Services are seeking protective Orders to be made. We can also advise when Social Services first raise concerns about the care that your children are receiving, and help you to resolve issues regarding your children’s welfare before they become so serious that Court proceedings are necessary.
Childcare cases can be complex and distressing and require the help of specialist lawyers who understand the issues involved, how the Courts operate, and prepare your case accordingly. The Childcare team at Meridian approaches each case with great sensitivity and will provide you with expert advice and support at every stage of the process.
What we can assist you with
- Preparing for Child Protection Conferences
- Pre Proceedings Protocol (PLO) meetings
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Care Orders and Supervision Orders
- Discharge of Care Orders
- Applications for contact with a child in Care
- Applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court/Deprivation of Liberty
- Secure Accommodation Orders
- Adoption and Placement Orders
- Other legal issues relating to Social Services involvement with your family
Preparing for Child Protection Conferences
Following a section 47 assessment your families’ social worker may advise that a child protection conference is necessary to decide whether your child should be placed on the child protection register and a plan developed to co-ordinate professionals working with your family
Pre Proceedings Protocol (PLO) meetings
If social workers are concerned that your child is at risk of significant harm and are considering going to Court, they should try to work with you before issuing an application with the Court. This is a final chance to avoid Court proceedings and legal aid is available so that you have solicitor to advise and assist you during this process.
Emergency Protection Orders
Sometimes emergencies arise and social workers will go to Court very quickly to seek an Order allowing them to remove your child or keep them away from home, if they believe they are likely to suffer significant harm if the Order is not made. If this happens you will be entitled to legal aid so that you have representation at Court and can receive legal advice.
Care Orders and Supervision Orders
Your family’s’ social worker may make an application to the Court for a Care or Supervision Order if they believe that your child is suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm. This will lead to a longer Court process known as ‘Care Proceedings’, which should last for approximately 26 weeks. The Court will decide if your child can remain living with you or whether it would be in their best interests to live with another family member or cared for by the Local Authority. You are entitled to legal aid so that you have representation at Court and can receive legal advice.
Discharge of Care Orders
If a final Care Order is made sometimes circumstances change and it may be appropriate for a child to stop being cared for by a Local Authority. Legal Aid for these applications is sometimes available depending on your financial circumstances and the likely success of the application.
Applications for contact with a child in Care
If your child is placed in Local Authority Care they are entitled to have a reasonable level of contact with their family members. If you feel the arrangements for contact are not set at a reasonable level then you may want to seek legal advice. Legal Aid for these applications is sometimes available depending on your financial circumstances and the likely success of the application.
Applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court/Deprivation of Liberty
In some complex situations the Local Authority makes applications to the High Court when legal powers are not usually available to the Family Court, for example if a child is absconding and engaging in very risky behaviour it may be necessary to deprive them of their liberty. Legal Aid for these applications is sometimes available depending on your financial circumstances and the likely success of the application.
Secure Accommodation Orders
If the Local Authority believes that your child has repeatedly absconded and is at risk of significantly harming themselves or another person and that they cannot be kept safe in any other form of accommodation they may seek a Secure Accommodation Order. Legal Aid for these applications is sometimes available depending on your financial circumstances and the likely success of the application.
Adoption and Placement Orders
Sometimes the Court will decide that the best outcome for your child is to be placed for adoption without your consent. The Local Authority have to provide evidence that there is no alternative realistic placement for your child. If your child is placed with prospective adopters you will also be provided with notice if an application for an Adoption Order is made. Legal Aid for these applications is sometimes available depending on your financial circumstances and the likely success of the application.
Other legal issues relating to Social Services involvement with your family
There are many other ways in which your family may have contact with Social Services, such as an initial assessment or a Child in Need plan. It is important that you establish a good working relationship with professionals where possible, and seeking legal advice early can help prevent issues escalating to become more serious concerns which could lead to Court proceedings.
Contact Us
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