If children’s services (formally known as social services) have stated that they have concerns about your children’s welfare or your family situation, it’s only natural to feel anxious and unsure of what to do next. Whether you’re facing questions about your child’s welfare, going through pre-proceedings, or dealing with care proceedings, the uncertainty and emotional strain can be be a lot for parents to deal with. It’s important to have experienced legal support to help you understand the complexities of the process and safeguard your family’s future.
At AFG Law, our child care solicitors in Bolton are here to guide you through every step of care proceedings. With expertise in family law and a compassionate approach, we work to ensure that your rights are protected, providing you with the clear advice and strong representation you need during this challenging time. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for personalised legal advice.
What are Care Proceedings?
If children’s services have contacted you about concerns regarding your children’s welfare and there has been little to no improvement, or if urgent issues arise, the Local Authority may begin care proceedings in order to seek a care order.
If there are concerns surrounding any immediate risks, children’s services can apply for an emergency protection order, which enables them to remove a child from your care until the outcome of care proceedings.
Although care proceedings can be distressing to parents and may lead to feelings of being unfairly judged, it’s important to remember the primary goal of these proceedings is to address concerns raised about your child’s well-being. The Court’s involvement ensures that the best interests of the child are prioritised and that decisions are made with their safety in mind.
At AFG Law, our experienced child care solicitors in Bolton are here to provide the expert guidance you need during such difficult times, ensuring you understand your rights and helping to achieve the best possible outcome for your family. We have many years of experience in representing clients during sensitive times of their lives, and our family law solicitors in Manchester can assist clients in all areas of family law, including care proceedings.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out more.
When do Children’s Services Become Involved?
Children’s services become involved when there are concerns about a child’s welfare or safety. These concerns commonly include:
- Reports of Abuse or Neglect: If there are allegations or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect (such as inadequate care, housing, or nutrition).
- Parent or Guardian’s Health or Behaviour: If a parent or guardian’s physical or mental health or behaviour (such as substance misuse or criminal activity) is affecting their ability to care for their child.
- School Attendance Issues: If a child is frequently absent from school.
- Changes in Family Circumstances: If there are major changes such as domestic violence, a breakdown in family relationships, or a parent becoming unfit to care for a child.
- Direct Requests for Help: Families may contact children’s services if they need support, such as for additional care or resources for the child or family.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of Care Proceedings?
Care proceedings can lead to a variety of outcomes, all of which are designed to prioritise the best interests of the children at the heart of the concerns.
If the Court believes that a child cannot be safely and adequately cared for by their parents, then a Care Order may be issued, and the child will be placed under the care of the Local Authority.
Another outcome is that the child is placed with relatives, such as grandparents, known as a Special Guardianship Order. This allows the child to stay within the family while receiving the necessary care and protection.
In cases where reunification with parents is not possible and the child’s long-term safety and well-being are at risk, the Court may approve a Placement Order under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. This allows the local authority to place the child for adoption, providing them with a permanent family and home.
It is also worth noting that court proceedings may result in no type of order being issued if the judge believes that the child in question is well cared for following all of the relevant checks and investigations.
How can AFG Law assist?
AFG Law has a dedicated family law department with specialist solicitors ready to assist clients with a range of family legal services, including navigating children’s services involvement, child protection issues, divorce proceedings and child arrangement orders.
Our child care solicitors in Bolton have expertise in care proceedings and are well equipped to assist parents and guardians through the legal process. We are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected while prioritising the best interests of your child.
If you are a parent or someone who holds parental responsibility for a child, and your children are involved in care proceedings for a care order or supervision order, you will also be entitled to Legal Aid. More advice on Legal Aid can be found here.
If you would like more information on any of our services or to discuss our fixed fee rates, please get in touch with our law firm today at 01204 920 100 or email us at familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk.
AFG Law has multiple offices with family law teams in Manchester, including Stockport, Bolton and Bury. We can also assist clients with their family disputes remotely. For more information, please see our care proceedings main page here.
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