Care Proceedings Solicitors

If you’ve been contacted by social services or received a Public Law Outline (PLO) letter, it’s essential to get specialist legal advice as soon as possible. At Warner Goodman LLP, our experienced care proceedings solicitors provide expert representation and clear guidance to parents, grandparents, and family members when the local authority raises concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

Whether you're facing a PLO meeting or formal care proceedings in the Family Court, we are here to protect your rights, advise you at every stage, and help you secure the best possible outcome for your family.
 

What is Care Proceedings?

Care proceedings are initiated by the local authority when there are serious concerns about a child's safety or welfare. The court will then decide whether the child should remain at home or be placed elsewhere.

We help parents who receive a Public Law Outline (PLO) letter warning that proceedings may be issued if improvements aren't made. This often includes a meeting with the local authority, which we can attend with you to offer advice and support.

If care or supervision proceedings are issued, we represent parents throughout the entire court process. We also advise family members, such as grandparents or other relatives, who are being assessed as possible carers.

Our role is to ensure that you understand what's happening at every stage, to explain your options, and to help you respond in the best interests of you and your family.
 

The Care Proceedings Process

When the local authority has concerns about a child's welfare, they often start by issuing a letter (sometimes called a PLO letter) and arranging a meeting known as a PLO meeting to discuss their concerns. We will support you throughout this process, attending meetings and advising you on your options.

If concerns are resolved during the PLO process, the involvement of Children's Services may end or be reduced. However, if issues remain, the local authority may issue care proceedings by submitting an application to the court. This marks the official start of care proceedings, which are generally expected to conclude within 26 weeks.

Once proceedings begin, the court will set a timetable and appoint a Children's Guardian, an independent CAFCASS officer representing the child's best interests. The Guardian investigates the situation, speaks to the child (if appropriate), and provides reports to the court. A solicitor may also be appointed to represent the child's views directly.

The court will schedule a Case Management Hearing to consider temporary arrangements for the child and determine what evidence is needed before the final decision. The local authority will usually present an Interim Care Plan, proposing where the child should live and what contact arrangements should be in place during the proceedings. The court may also make Interim Orders based on these proposals.

Following this, an Issues Resolution Hearing (IRH) will be held to determine whether the parties agree on the child's future or if contested issues need to be resolved. If disagreements remain, a Final Hearing will be scheduled.

At the Final Hearing, the court hears evidence from all parties involved, including parents, carers, and experts, before deciding based solely on the child's best interests. Throughout the entire process, the child's welfare remains the court's paramount concern.
 

How are Care Proceedings Work Funded?

If the local authority has issued court proceedings or sent a letter indicating the start of proceedings (often called a PLO letter), parents of the children are generally entitled to free legal aid. This support is available regardless of the parent's financial situation, ensuring access to expert legal advice for all families facing care proceedings.

For other family members seeking advice or involvement in care proceedings, legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances. Additionally, local authorities sometimes cover the cost of legal advice for family members, particularly when they are seeking to care for the children themselves. This ensures that grandparents, guardians, and extended family can access the legal support they need during these challenging times.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for legal aid, please contact our team on 023 8063 9311. We'd be happy to discuss your situation and clarify your entitlement to legal support.

Speak to our Care Proceeding Solicitors today

Our expert family law solicitors are here to support you with offices in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, and Waterlooville. We understand how difficult care proceedings can be, and we will guide you through every step with clear, compassionate advice.

To find out how our dedicated team can assist you, please contact us:

• Tel: 023 8063 9311
• Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk