Children Law

Social Services

We understand that when an outside agency interferes in family life it can be extremely stressful. However, understanding the process and getting the right advice can make a big difference to the outcome for you and your family. If you are worried about social services’ involvement with your family, our sympathetic and experienced team are here to help.

Get in Touch

Request a Callback

Pre-proceedings Meetings

If social services have concerns over the care of your child, you may be invited to attend a pre-proceedings meeting (otherwise known as a Public Law Outline Meeting – PLOs). Your social worker should give you a letter which starts ‘PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS LETTER. TAKE IT TO A SOLICITOR NOW.’

If you receive such a letter, we can advise you and, as legal aid is available to all in these cases, you do not need to worry about the cost of our attendance. Contact our friendly team today on 020 8771 5254.

Emergency Protection Orders

In urgent and serious situations, an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) may be applied for. This is a short term order which is designed to protect a child in an emergency. Please contact us immediately if you get notice of an Emergency Protection Order application about your child.

Care Proceedings

If a local authority becomes concerned that a child is suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm, they may apply to the court for a care order. This process is known as ‘care proceedings’.

If your social worker tells you they are going to take your case to court, please contact us straight away. Our experienced team can support you every step of the way, explaining what is happening in simple terms that are easy to understand.

We are completely independent of the local authority, although you may have heard about us through a list provided by your social worker.

If you are the parent of a child in care proceedings, legal aid is automatically available so representation is available at no cost to you. For more information on legal aid, click here.

We offer a sympathetic and practical approach and will work hard to present the strongest possible case on your behalf, instructing a range of experts where necessary. Above all, we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. For a no obligation chat, call 020 8771 5254 to speak to one of the team today.