Social Services & Care

We frequently represent parents and grandparents where there is the involvement of the Local Authority.

This can range from general advice regarding Local Authority involvement, attendance at child protection conferences, advice and attendance for Letter before Proceedings meetings to representation in care proceedings issued by the Local Authority.

Three of the Clark Willis Family Law team, Tanya Bloomfield, Phil Duffy and Tracey Kyle, are Children Panel Member and has also represented children via a children’s guardian within proceedings issued by Local Authorities.

What can we help with?

– Advice on child protection conferences
– Letter before Proceedings/PLO meetings
– Care proceedings
– Deprivation of Liberty Proceedings
– Placement and Adoption proceedings

When should I get in touch with a Solicitor- Top tips

– If you get a letter from social services inviting you to a meeting and asking you to bring a solicitor. You are likely to be entitled to free legal advice and help at the meeting from a Solicitor
– If you are asked to sign ‘section 20’ to agree to your child/children being cared for outside of your care
– If social services say they are making an application to court. If you are a parent or someone with parental responsibility you will get free legal aid for advice and representation at court from a solicitor
– If you are a grandparent caring for a child and social services say they want you to care in the short or long term. A Solicitor can advise you on your options and any support you might be entitled to