Children’s Services Solicitors

It can be very stressful and worrying for families to experience children’s services (sometimes referred to as social services) involvement with their children. Many people may be concerned about children’s services taking their children away and feel powerless and confused as to what to do to give their family the best chance of staying together.

Our children’s services solicitors at AFG Law understand that family members want the best for their child or children and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and guide you through the process.

We provide clear, practical legal advice and strong representation to ensure your voice is heard. Whether you are facing child protection concerns, care proceedings or need help challenging children’s services decisions, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

When Children’s Services Get Might Get Involved

If you have been contacted by children’s services, then you might be wondering what you have done to warrant their involvement. Your Local Authority has a responsibility to vulnerable individuals, including children, and a social worker will only be in contact if there are concerns regarding your child’s welfare.

Children’s services safeguard children from harm, neglect and abuse, and though their sole interest is making sure children are safe. We understand that many families and parents feel distressed and unfairly judged when they find out children’s services are involved, often worrying about the possibility of losing custody of their children. However, is it important to remember that social workers do not have the power to remove children from the home unless they have a court order or if you agree.

Children’s services may intervene for several reasons, including:

• Concerns About Abuse: If there are any allegations or evidence of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or exposure to domestic violence in the home.
• Neglect: If a child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, education, and medical care, are not being met.
• Substance Misuse: If a parent or guardian is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, affecting their ability to care for the child.
• Mental Health Concerns: If a parent has any mental health issues that may impact their ability to provide a safe and stable environment.
• Unsafe Living Conditions: Poor housing conditions, exposure to violence, or an environment deemed unsuitable for a child.
• Criminal Activity: If a parent is involved in criminal behaviour, particularly offences that put the child at risk.
• Educational Concerns: Persistent school absences or failure to provide appropriate education.

Contrary to widespread belief, children’s services do not automatically remove children from the home unless in very severe and urgent situations. Their level of involvement will depend on the nature of their concerns.

In the first instance, children’s services may offer parents/guardians some support through an Early Help Assessment or a Child in Need (CIN) plan, both of which provide advice and support without removing the children from the home.

In some cases, children’s services may ask you to sign a Section 20 agreement, which would allow them to temporarily take your child into care. Before agreeing to this, it’s important that you fully understand what it means. This type of agreement is voluntary, so you do have the right to withdraw your consent at any time unless a court order is made.

If social workers believe a child is suffering or is at risk of harm, then they may conduct a Section 47 enquiry under the Children Act 1989. Based on this investigation, a plan of action is set out for parents to improve the situation. If concerns are still raised, further involvement may include initiating care proceedings.

If concerns persist following the early stages of intervention from children’s services, then they may initiate the Public Law Outline (PLO) process. The PLO is designed to allow parents one final opportunity to address any concerns during a pre-proceedings meeting before an application to the family court is made and care proceedings follow. If you have received a PLO letter, then you may be entitled to Legal Aid depending on your financial circumstances.

If children’s services believe a child is at immediate risk and needs to be removed from the family home straight away, they can apply to the court for various court orders, including an Emergency Protection Order (EPO), an Interim Care Order (ICO) or a Full Care Order.

Legal Support for Parents and Families

At AFG Law, our family law department has many years of experience in assisting clients with concerns regarding social services involvement. Our family law solicitors can offer expert legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances and work closely with you in the best interests of you and your family.

Our team can assist with:

• Care Orders: Advising and representing parents when children’s services seek a care order to remove a child from their home.
• Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs): Supporting parents when children’s services apply for an EPO to immediately remove a child.
• Interim Care Orders: Providing legal assistance in cases where an interim care order is applied for.
• Section 20 Agreements: Explaining the implications of voluntarily placing a child in care and advising on withdrawing consent.
• Child Protection Plans: Ensuring parents understand their obligations and challenging unfair plans.
• Public Law Outline (PLO): Representing parents in pre-proceedings meetings and helping them prevent court action.
• Court Proceedings: Representing parents in court and ensuring their case is presented effectively.
• Appeals: Challenging unfavourable children’s services decisions.

We understand the emotional and legal complexities of children’s services cases, and we are committed to providing compassionate, clear guidance at every step. Whether you’re facing investigations, child protection plans, care proceedings, or the PLO process, our solicitors are here to protect your rights and help you navigate these situations.

What to Do If Children’s Services Contact You

As a general rule, you should try and stay calm and cooperate with their questions or investigations. We understand that it is only natural for parents to be defensive when faced with these types of allegations, but cooperation can help resolve concerns more effectively. Seeking legal advice from one of our children’s services solicitors can be beneficial at the earliest stages of social services intervention as it could impact the outcome of your case. Legal advice is especially recommended before you agree to any assessments or meetings.

Though it may be tempting to ignore any correspondence from children’s services, ignoring can escalate the situation and ultimately work against you. Instead, you should promptly respond (after seeking legal advice) and keep records of all documentation, including letters, emails and notes of verbal conversations with social workers.

It is very important that you do not sign anything without first speaking to a solicitor. Social workers may ask you to sign agreements or accept certain conditions, but you should always consult your solicitor first. Our children’s services solicitors can advise you, represent you and ensure that children’s services are following the correct procedures.

Our family law department at AFG Law can provide expert and compassionate support if children’s services become involved with your family. We can help explain the terms of any proposed protection plans or court orders and advise you on your rights and responsibilities moving forward. We are here to make sure your voice is heard. If matters escalate, we’re fully capable of representing you in court and supporting you throughout the court process.

Children’s Services Solicitors at AFG Law

AFG Law specialises in providing legal support to families dealing with children’s services involvement and is one of the biggest teams dedicated to Family Law in the Greater Manchester area.

If children’s services are involved with your family and are discussing child protection concerns, applying to the court, or considering removing your children, get in touch with us right away to find out how we can help.

Please call 01204 920 100 to speak with a member of our team who can support you in all aspects of family law services. Alternatively, you can email us at familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk.

AFG Law have multiple offices with family law teams in Manchester, including Stockport, Bolton and Bury. We can also assist clients with their family law issues remotely. 

Please follow the links below to find out more information on children’s services involvement and how our solicitors can help.