"MADE A DIFFICULT TIME A LOT EASIER"
Regrettably, some parents and family members may find themselves in dispute with Social Services about the way in which they are looking after their children.
In some cases, Social Services may even want to take children into Local Authority care, a distressing situation for any parent or carer.
If Social Services are concerned about a child’s welfare, it must look closely at that child’s situation and family life. This involvement may include Child Protection Meetings, Meetings Before Proceedings or Proceedings at Court.
Should Social Services become involved with you and your family – whether you are a parent, grandparent or other family member – WMC Legal can help you.
Taking children away from their parents should normally be the last step a Local Authority, otherwise known as Social Services, takes to make sure children are safe and well cared for. The welfare of a child is the most important consideration which is why it can often feel to parents that they are pushed aside or treated unfairly. Our expert team of Childcare Solicitors can help parents through the process to make sure their voice is heard.
Our Specialist Childcare Team can assist you prior to and during child protection investigations as well as any Court proceedings, helping to minimise the emotional strain on your family.
We understand the process from the perspective of both parents and children and our main priority is to help you and advise you through these difficult times.
Child Protection and Meetings Before Proceedings
If you have received a letter before proceedings, it could mean that Social Services are concerned about your child’s welfare and have reason to suspect that your child is not being properly looked after. This letter is notification that the Local Authority are considering asking the court if they can take your child into care.
This letter will invite you to a meeting which you must attend. WMC Legal can attend that meeting with you. If you are a parent or have parental responsibility, you will not have to pay and you will qualify for Legal Aid.
Our expert Childcare Team can guide you through the process, discuss the Local Authority’s concerns with you and present your case at the Pre-Proceedings Meeting.
If you have received a letter from Social Services that you are concerned about, please get in touch with us. You don’t have to go through this alone.
COURT PROCEEDINGS
When a child is considered to be at risk of “significant harm” by the Local Authority, Social Services can apply to the Court for a Care Order which may result in the child being taken into Local Authority care. This can be extremely distressing for both the child and their parents.
WMC Legal can be your voice in those proceedings to give you the very best chance of your family staying together. If you are a parent or have parental responsibility, you will not have to pay and you will qualify for Legal Aid.
We have a dedicated specialist team with a wealth of experience so you can be confident that we have the expertise to help you.
We recognise that this can be an extremely difficult and emotional time for those involved and look to ensure that cases are handled sensitively yet efficiently, whilst keeping the children’s best interests as the focus at all times.
