Care Proceedings / Public Law / Child Protection

Care proceedings are initiated by a local authority to acquire parental responsibility and other orders in respect of a child they are concerned is at risk. A child can be considered to be at risk if it is believed they are suffering or is likely to suffer from emotional and/or physical harm and/or from neglect or are beyond parental control.

We advise on social services involvement with a family. This includes advice on services provided by the local authority, applications for care orders and supervision orders, emergency protection orders, voluntary (section 20) placements, secure accommodation, child protection investigations, medical treatment of children and adoption panel procedures and contact with a child in the care of a local authority.

We have members of the Association of Lawyers for Children, the Children Panel and Resolution. We act for parents, Guardians appointed by the court, children and extended family members. We also receive instructions from the local authority to act for proposed Special Guardians and adoptive applicants.

We are able to offer non-means tested Legal Aid to a child involved in care proceedings or a person with parental responsibility for a child who is subject to such proceedings. Where appropriate we can also seek public funding for other parties either involved or seeking to be involved in care proceedings.