A Guide to Social Services, Child Protection and Care Proceedings
Reasons to choose Wilson Browne
If Social Services have contacted you about your child, it can be a worrying and confusing time. Understanding the process, your rights, and what may happen next can help you make informed decisions and work positively with professionals involved in your family’s situation.
This guide explains how Children’s Services become involved, the different stages of intervention, and answers some of the most common questions parents and family members ask.
On this page:
- Why Have Social Services Contacted Me?
- Understanding the Child Protection Process
- The Four Types of Harm
- Child Protection Conferences and Child Protection Plans
- Child Protection Plan
- Working with Children's Services
- Public Law Outline (PLO) – Pre-Proceedings
- Care Proceedings
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Have Social Services Contacted Me?
Children’s Services (formerly known as Social Services) have a legal duty to investigate concerns that a child may be at risk of harm or may not be receiving appropriate care.
Concerns can be raised by a range of people and organisations, including:
- Family members
- Schools and teachers
- Doctors and health professionals
- The police
- Neighbours or members of the public
The aim of Children’s Services is not to remove children from their families unnecessarily, but to ensure children are safe and receive appropriate care and support.
Understanding the Child Protection Process
Initial Assessment
When Children’s Services receive a referral, they will carry out an initial assessment.
A social worker may:
- Contact you by telephone
- Visit your home
- Speak with your child
- Gather information from relevant professionals
Following the assessment, Children’s Services may:
- Close the case if there are no concerns
- Offer support services to the family
- Carry out a more detailed Single Assessment
Single Assessment
A Single Assessment allows Children’s Services to gather more information about your family circumstances and your child’s welfare.
This may involve speaking with:
- Parents and carers
- Children
- Schools and teachers
- Doctors and health visitors
- Police and other agencies
Following the assessment, Children’s Services may:
- Close the case
- Continue monitoring the situation
- Arrange a Child Protection Conference
The Four Types of Harm
When Children’s Services become involved, concerns generally relate to one or more recognised categories of harm.
Emotional Harm
Examples may include:
- Persistent criticism or rejection
- Exposure to domestic abuse
- Bullying or intimidation within the home
Physical Harm
Physical harm involves injuries caused deliberately or through a failure to protect a child from physical abuse.
Sexual Abuse
This includes situations where a child is subjected to sexual activity or placed at risk of sexual exploitation or abuse.
Neglect
Examples may include:
- Lack of adequate food or clothing
- Poor hygiene
- Failure to attend medical appointments
- Poor school attendance
- Unsafe living conditions
Child Protection Conferences and Child Protection Plans
If Children’s Services remain concerned following their assessment, they may arrange a Child Protection Conference.
This is a multi-agency meeting attended by professionals involved with the child, including:
- Parents and carers
- Social workers
- Teachers
- Health professionals
- Police representatives
- Other relevant agencies
The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether a child is at risk of significant harm and what action is required to protect them.
Child Protection Plan
If concerns remain, a Child Protection Plan may be put in place.
The plan will set out:
- The risks identified
- What actions need to be taken
- Who is responsible for those actions
- Timescales for completion
- Support available to the family
- What may happen if concerns are not addressed
The plan is reviewed regularly, usually after three months and then every six months.
Working with Children’s Services
One of the most important factors in any case is demonstrating that you are willing to engage with professionals and address concerns.
Helpful steps include:
- Remaining calm during meetings
- Asking questions if you do not understand something
- Attending appointments and assessments
- Following professional recommendations
- Seeking support where appropriate
- Obtaining legal advice if necessary
Co-operating does not mean agreeing with everything that is said, but it does mean engaging constructively in the process.
Public Law Outline (PLO) – Pre-Proceedings
If Children’s Services believe concerns are serious enough to consider court action, they may start the Public Law Outline (PLO) process.
You will usually receive a letter headed:
“Letter Before Proceedings”
If you receive this letter, you should seek legal advice immediately.
What Happens During the PLO Process?
Meetings are held between:
- Parents
- Their solicitors
- Social workers
- Local Authority managers
- Local Authority solicitors
The purpose is to identify concerns and agree steps that can reduce risks to the child and potentially avoid court proceedings.
Possible outcomes include:
- No further action
- Continued monitoring and review
- Commencement of care proceedings
Parents are entitled to free legal representation throughout the PLO process through Legal Aid.
Care Proceedings
If concerns cannot be resolved through the PLO process, the Local Authority may apply to the Family Court.
The court will consider whether the legal threshold for intervention has been met and whether orders are necessary to protect the child.
Orders that may be considered include:
- Interim Care Orders (ICO)
- Care Orders
- Supervision Orders
- Placement Orders
The court’s primary consideration will always be the welfare and best interests of the child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Social Services Remove My Child?
Children’s Services cannot simply remove a child without legal authority. Removal generally requires either:
- An Emergency Protection Order
- An Interim Care Order
- A Care Order
- Voluntary agreement under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989
What Is a Section 20 Agreement?
A Section 20 agreement allows a child to be accommodated away from home with parental consent.
The Local Authority does not obtain parental responsibility through a Section 20 agreement, and parents can usually withdraw their consent.
What Is the Public Law Outline (PLO)?
The Public Law Outline is a pre-court process used when the Local Authority has serious concerns about a child’s welfare.
The aim is to help families address concerns and avoid court proceedings where possible.
Am I Entitled to Legal Aid During the PLO Process?
Yes. Parents involved in PLO proceedings are usually entitled to non-means-tested Legal Aid, meaning legal representation is provided free of charge.
What Is an Interim Care Order (ICO)?
An Interim Care Order gives the Local Authority shared parental responsibility for a child while court proceedings are ongoing.
It allows the Local Authority to make important decisions about the child’s day-to-day care.
What Is a Family Network Meeting (FNM)?
A Family Network Meeting brings together family members and trusted friends to explore what support may be available for the child and parents.
It can help identify family solutions before more formal interventions are considered.
What Is Hair Strand Testing (HST)?
Hair Strand Testing is used to assess alcohol or drug use over a period of months.
The court may order testing where substance misuse is relevant to concerns about a child’s welfare.
What Is Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and duties a person has in relation to a child.
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers may acquire it through marriage, being named on the birth certificate, or through a court order.
Will My Child's Wishes Be Taken Into Account?
Yes. A Children’s Guardian appointed through CAFCASS will ensure the child’s wishes and feelings are presented to the court where appropriate.
The court will consider those wishes alongside all other factors relevant to the child’s welfare.
Can I See My Child After Adoption?
In some cases, ongoing contact may be possible after adoption. This could include:
- Direct face-to-face contact
- Video calls
- Letterbox contact
The arrangements will depend on the child’s circumstances and what is considered to be in their best interests.
Do I Need a Solicitor?
Obtaining legal advice as early as possible is strongly recommended if Children’s Services become involved with your family.
A solicitor can explain the process, protect your rights, represent you at meetings and court hearings, and help you understand the options available to you.