Care Proceedings

Care proceedings can be brought by Social Services if they are concerned about the health and welfare of your children.

Being notified that care proceedings are commencing can be terrifying for parents.

It is crucial that you contact us immediately in such circumstances. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors will take control of the situation and fight tirelessly to ensure the welfare of your children is protected.

We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm and from our city centre offices in Coventry, our solicitors use best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective family law advice and representation. Our solicitors have years of experience in family law means we have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Barristers and Queen’s Counsel, Child Psychologists, and other community groups who can bring additional support to our family law department if required. Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses.

Our family law ethos

Our Family Solicitors are members of Resolution, an organisation of family law professionals who believe a non-confrontational approach to family law disputes produces better long term outcomes. Our team abides by Resolution’s Code of Practice and work to resolve care issues in a calm, persuasive manner, with the child’s welfare being the paramount consideration. However, if Court proceedings prove inevitable, you can trust that we will fight tenaciously to get the best possible results for you and your children.

Based in Coventry, our highly intelligent and compassionate Solicitors have received training on dealing with the emotional impact of care proceedings. If you are finding things difficult, we can refer you to support agencies and counsellors that can help you. Our team, which include trained Mediators and members of the Law Society’s Children’s Law Panel, are here to help you when life takes an unexpected turn and get the results you need to move on to a positive future.

Below are some of the most common questions we are asked regarding care proceedings.

What is a Care Order?

A Care Order is an order placing a child under the care of a Local Authority. Social Services will apply for a Care Order if they are concerned that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. The Court can also make an interim Care Order whilst Court proceedings are taking place.

The effect of a Care Order is that the Local Authority receives and keeps the child whilst the Order remains in force. In most cases, a Care Plan will be created, and the child will be placed with foster parents.

What is a Supervision Order?

A Supervision Order places a child under the supervision of a Local Authority. Unlike a Care Order, a Supervision Order does not give a Local Authority parental responsibility. However, the child is likely to have to comply with certain conditions set out in the Supervisory Order such as reside in a specified place and participate in specified activities (such as attending mainstream school).

What is a Pre-Proceedings and PLO Meeting?

In almost all care proceedings, Social Services have been involved with the family for some time. A Public Law Outline (PLO) and Pre-Proceedings Meeting is the final step before care proceedings are commenced. If you are asked to attend a PLO, it means the local authority has grave concerns about the safety and welfare of your child.

Attendees at the meeting will include your Social Worker and their Team Manager, and a Solicitor from the Local Authority. You and the child’s other parent will normally be invited to the meeting, and you can bring your Solicitor. It is vital that you come to the meeting as the Local Authority will set out their concerns and present a plan of assessments to avoid having to ultimately bring care proceedings.

Our Care Solicitors can represent you at a PLO meeting, ensuring your side of the story is communicated and that you understand the plan of assessments proposed by the Local Authority.

Can I get legal aid for care proceedings?

Legal aid is available for care proceedings. Our Family Law Solicitors will take you through the legal aid process and let you know if you are eligible.

Why choose us?

We have years of experience in advising and representing clients in care proceedings. Our team treat every case with sensitivity and will guide you through the Court process, ensuring you understand what is happening and what you need to do to keep your family together.

People choose and recommend us not just in Coventry, Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington, but across the Midlands and the whole of the UK, because we care about them, their children, and their future. We are focused on results and achieving them in the most cost-effective, non-confrontational way possible. Our Family Law Solicitors will take care of your legal concerns so you can focus on yourself and your children.

To talk to us about making arrangements for your children following your divorce, please contact us using the form below, call us on Coventry (02476) 231000, email enquiries@askewslegal.co. or visit us at our city centre offices in Coventry.