Adoption & Care Proceedings

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How do care proceedings work?

When social services are concerned about a child’s welfare they will look closely at the child’s situation and family life. Taking children away from their parents should normally be the last step social services take to make sure the children are safe and well cared for.  Help and assistance should also be offered to the parents. A parent or parents should always be involved in decisions made about their child or children unless a court has decided they should not.

The welfare of children is the most important consideration and it can often feel to the parents that they are being pushed aside or treated unfairly. However, the safety and protection of the child involved will usually be the first priority.  Where arrangements for the child or children cannot be agreed, the local authorities are enabled to take protective measures for the child or children in their area.  The social services have a statutory duty of care towards these children.

The main orders within care proceedings are:

  • Emergency Protection Orders.
  • Care Orders.
  • Interim Care Orders.
  • Supervision Orders.
  • Interim Supervision Orders.
  • Child Assessment Orders.

Some meetings and procedures may take place without court proceedings- such as Child Protection Conferences, Core Groups and Pre-Proceedings (known as Letter before Action Meetings).

Police Protection Orders can occur without proceedings in place but they can only last for 72 hours.

How can we help?

At Brighton & Hove Law, we are experienced in working through difficult and complicated circumstances. If you have received a letter before proceedings, social services have taken your child into care or have threatened to do so, it is important that you are represented by a specialist who can guide you through this process. It is important you seek legal advice as soon as possible, as you will generally qualify for legal aid. We can obtain this for you on an emergency basis if necessary. Please contact us if you have any questions or feel you need our help.

Client Testimonials

Sarah Dummett goes well beyond the extra mile every time. Her clients are really well supported and guided by her as they navigate their way through the often challenging legal process.

Gerardine Buckley, Barrister

Brighton and Hove, and particularly Samantha Barker, come highly recommended. The work that Samantha puts into her client’s case is unbelievable- the preparation and attention to detail is second to none

Marc Newsom, Senior Practice Manager

I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on some very complex and difficult cases over the years.  She never loses sight of the client’s objectives but makes sure they receive realistic and sensible advice. Her case preparation is excellent and she is always willing to go the extra mile when necessary. When I receive a brief from Sarah I know that the case will be conducted effectively and efficiently. She is a consummate professional and a delight to work with.

Amanda Clarke, Barrister

I received a very good and prompt service and I would recommend you to my friends.

Ms W

Lucy provided services as my solicitor long-distance. I was residing in the US while my case was ongoing in the UK court. I had the pleasure of meeting her face-to-face for an initial consultation before my return to the US and she was very professional in all correspondence until matters came to a conclusion.

She was always very happy to answer questions thoroughly and schedule long-distance phone calls when I requested them. She has a very kind and professional nature. Needless to say, she made what could have been an exhausting process extremely painless. I highly recommend her.

Ms S 

Sarah has been unfailingly professional and client focused throughout. Her enthusiasm and commitment to always providing the best legal advice and assistance to clients is unparalleled. I would have no hesitation in referring a friend or family to Sarah in the event of them having a family law issue.

Michael Valks, Barrister

Jennifer Lynch is astute, efficient and very effective. She builds up a good rapport with her clients and can be relied on to deliver in every case.

Gerardine Buckley, Barrister

You all helped me through a really tough and stressful situation.  Thank you so much.

Mr M 

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