Child Protection and Care Proceedings

Every Local Authority is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within its jurisdiction. Care and Supervision proceedings are initiated by the Local Authority if a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm. If the situation is considered to be urgent, then they will apply for an Emergency Protection Order and a hearing is often listed on the same day or within 24 hours.

Our team includes solicitors with the specialist “Children Law” accreditation, which reassures you that they have been approved by the Law Society as experts in these cases. They will guide and support you throughout the Court process, which can be very distressing, especially for parents facing the threat of being separated from their children.

During a process which typically takes approximately 26-weeks, we will help to understand and fully engage in any work directed by the Court. We will draft evidence and other documentation on your behalf and arrange specialist legal representation at all hearings up to and including the Final Hearing.

If the local authority has serious concerns for a child, but do not want to apply to Court immediately, they may provide parents with a PLO (Public Law Outline) letter, inviting them to a meeting when welfare concerns will be discussed. Parents are entitled to have legal representation at these meetings and the cost will be met by legal aid.

In care proceedings, the Court appoints a guardian to advocate for the child independently of the Local Authority. The guardian must assess the Local Authority’s actions and will seek legal representation on behalf of the child.

Grandparents often seek roles as potential caregivers for their grandchildren. Our advice covers available options, including Special Guardianship.

Parents or those with parental responsibility are automatically eligible for legal aid in these proceedings (and the PLO or Pre-Proceedings process), regardless of their financial circumstances. As soon as you engage our assistance, we will make immediate arrangements for a Legal Aid Certificate is be granted. Grandparents must undergo assessment by the Legal Aid Agency before funding can be approved and we will assist with this.

Whilst the greater part of our public law work is focused in the Bournemouth Family Court, we represent parents and grandparents in proceedings across the South and South West of England, particularly, Swindon, Southampton and Portsmouth.  Our professional connections throughout England and Wales also permit more extensive representation and have recently included cases in London, Cardiff, Liverpool, and Birmingham.

By their nature, Care and associated proceedings often require urgent and immediate action to safeguard the welfare of children, but it is also vital to protect the rights of parents. Seeking early advice is crucial and at Laceys, we have the experience and expertise to help you secure the best possible outcome for your family.

For further information regarding our services in the support of Child Protection Public Law procedures, please contact our team today.

Free Family Law Drop-In Clinic – Every Wednesday

Laceys runs a free weekly family law drop-in clinic, giving you the opportunity to speak with an expert and get straightforward, practical advice tailored to your situation. No appointment is necessary, and you don’t need to be an existing client to attend.

When and Where

The drop-in clinic takes place every Wednesday between 1pm and 3pm at our offices at 9 Poole Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5QR. Free parking is available on-site, making it as easy as possible to get the support you need.

Who is the clinic for?

The clinic is open to anyone facing a family law matter, including those who:

• Are planning to marry and want to protect pre-marital assets
• Are considering living together or purchasing property with a partner without getting married
• Are experiencing relationship difficulties and thinking about separation
• Need guidance on financial arrangements following a separation, dissolution, or divorce
• Have concerns about current or future childcare arrangements

Please note that Legal Aid services are not provided at the clinic. If you’d like more information before attending, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Charlotte Grant or Sara Gilak, who will be able to help.