Public Law Outline

The Public Law Outline (PLO) process is used by a local authority when it has concerns about a child’s welfare.

It is designed to address those concerns before court proceedings are started and is often referred to as the pre-proceedings stage. A general timescale from start to finish is 12 weeks but this can vary a little case by case.

The aim of the PLO process is to work with the family to improve the situation for the child, provide support where needed and where possible, avoid the need for court action.

What Is The PLO Stage?

The PLO stage begins when the local authority believes there are serious concerns about a child’s safety, wellbeing or care, but wants to give parents the opportunity to make changes with support.

At this stage, no court proceedings have been issued. Instead, the local authority works with the family to: –

• Clearly explain their concerns and set out what the parents need to do to address and reduce these concerns
• Consider the support required to help parents address concerns
• Assess the child’s needs
• Assess parents ability to meet child’s needs in the short, medium and long term
• Consider ability of family members to support parent’s care of child and/or care for child themselves if the parents cannot

The Letter Before Proceedings

Parents will usually receive a ‘Letter Before Proceedings’ from the local authority. This letter sets out the concerns the local authority has about the child, explains what improvements or changes are needed and invites the parents to attend a PLO meeting along with inviting them to seek legal advice and representation. Parents are entitled to free legal representation through legal aid for this stage, regardless of income.

Who Attends The PLO Meeting?

The initial PLO meeting is a formal meeting and typically includes: –

• The parents
• The parents’ solicitor
• The allocated social worker
• The social work team manager
• A solicitor representing the local authority

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting with their solicitor, who can explain the process, provide advice and support them during the meeting.

What Happens At The PLO Meeting?

During the meeting, everyone will discuss: –

• The concerns raised by the local authority
• What changes the parents need to make to address those concerns
• What support or services can be offered to help parents make those changes

This may include parenting support, substance misuse services, mental health support or help with housing or domestic issues, depending on individual circumstances.

Clear expectations and timescales are usually agreed, so parents understand what is required of them and when.

Ongoing Monitoring and Review

After the initial meeting, the parents will continue to work with the social workers. Regular review meetings are held to:

• Monitor progress
• Assess whether changes are being maintained
• Decide whether concerns have been sufficiently addressed

If progress is made and the child’s welfare improves, the PLO process can end without court proceedings. If improvements are not made and the concerns are ongoing for the child’s welfare, then the local authority will issue care proceedings. Please see our separate article explaining care proceedings in more detail.

Care Proceedings

The Purpose of The PLO Process

The PLO process is intended to:

• Protect the child’s welfare
• Give parents a fair opportunity to make positive changes
• Provide support rather than immediate court action
• Avoid care proceedings where is it safe and appropriate to do so

While the PLO process can feel worrying, it is also an opportunity for families to work constructively with professionals and receive support to keep children safe within their family where possible.

If you have been given a letter before proceedings or are worried about social services involvement, Wilson Browne Solicitors are here to help. Our experienced Childcare team can guide you through every stage with clarity, care and professionalism.

Please get in touch with us to discuss your situation and find out how we can support you, or call 0800 088 6004.