What Happens After My First PLO Meeting?
‘I’ve had my first PLO meeting but what happens next?’ Trainee Solicitor, Matt Light, discusses in his latest blog as he guides you through what to expect at the conclusion of your first PLO meeting.
What Has Happened So Far?
You can read my last two blogs ‘I got a PLO letter, what do I do?‘ and ‘What will happen at my PLO meeting?. They set out what should have happened when you got your PLO letter, and what will have happened at your first meeting. If you’re at either of these stages, it would be helpful to you to go back and give them a read.
So, What Can Happen Next?
At the end of your first meeting there are two possible outcomes:
- You will stay in the PLO process, until at least your next review meeting; or
- The local authority will issue court proceedings
What Happens If I Stay In The PLO Process?
If the local authority are satisfied at the meeting that you can work with them and enact positive changes for your children then you will stay in the PLO process until you have a further meeting called a review meeting. This will normally be scheduled for 6- 8 weeks’ time. All the people that attended the first PLO meeting will be at the review to see how you and your family are progressing.
Then What Happens?
In the minority of cases, if you have made enough progress by the first meeting then you will come out of the PLO process and your lawyer’s involvement will cease. What is more likely is that there will be another review period followed by a final review meeting. If you have made the changes expected of you then you will come out of PLO at that stage.
Can It Go On Any Longer Than That?
Yes. The PLO process usually lasts for around 3 months but can be extended if there is any outstanding work that needs to be completed.
…And What Happens If The Local Authority Issue Court Proceedings?
The alternative outcome is that the local authority will issue court proceedings. It will do this if you have been either unwilling or unable to make the changes required for your children’s safety. It can do so immediately where the risk of harm to a child is so great, or matters are urgent.
What will happen next is outside the scope of this blog. My next blog in the series will take you through what you can expect once the local authority has issued care proceedings.
For further information, please contact me on 01332 364436 or via email at m.light@timms-law.com.
Matt Light
February 2021