‘Social Services Are Starting Care Proceedings – What Do I Do?’
In his final blog on the PLO process and beyond, Matt takes you through what will happen should the local authority issue care proceedings in relation to your child.
You can read his previous blogs on the pre-proceedings process here: ‘I got a PLO letter, what do I do?’, ‘What will happen at my PLO meeting?’ and ‘What Happens After My First PLO Meeting?’
At Timms, we understand that any social services involvement in your life can be extremely difficult. This is particularly true when the local authority decides to issue care proceedings.
Will I Have To Pay?
It is important that you speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. As a parent to a child in care proceedings you are entitled to free legal advice and representation throughout your case. Once you have instructed a solicitor and had your initial conversation with them, they will be able to receive the court papers for you. This is often referred to as the “bundle”.
What Will Happen First?
The legal representatives for the local authority that you live in will have made an application to the court to begin proceedings. Notice will then be sent to your solicitors and a date will be set for the first hearing.
… And Then What Happens?
Your solicitor will receive the court documents and will forward them on to you so that you can read them. It is important that you do not share these documents with anyone else as proceedings in the family court are confidential to the parties involved.
What Will Be In The Bundle?
What goes into the bundle is prescribed: –
• A copy of the local authority’s application to the court.
• The social work chronology.
• A statement from the social work team.
• A proposed care plan for your children.
• The local authority “Threshold document”
What Should I Do When I Have Read The Bundle?
After you have read the bundle you will need to meet again with your solicitor to discuss your position for the first hearing. You will need to file a statement with the court that responds to the local authority case. Don’t worry, your solicitor will help you with this.
What Will Happen At The First Court Hearing?
Your solicitor will join you at the first court hearing and will talk to the judge on your behalf. What exactly will happen during that hearing is outside the scope of this blog, as each case regarding people’s children is very different, but your solicitor should then be with you every step of the way.
For further information, please contact me on 01332 364436 or via email at m.light@timms-law.com.
Matthew Light
March 2021