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

It is always a pleasure to be instructed by Brighton and Hove Law. Their team are extremely dedicated, hard working, knowledgeable and professional. They are on top of their game; clients consistently receive gold standard care and advice and counsel have well prepared briefs.

Sarah Taite, Barrister

I had a protracted and complicated divorce and I could not have wished for a better solicitor. The divorce process and all the associated financial negotiations are complex and come at a time when you are emotionally fraught, stressed and at a low ebb. Having a solicitor who is fair, firm and practical and clearly explained the options at every stage makes such a huge difference.

Lucy enabled me to balance getting the fairest settlement with retaining a workable relationship with my ex. There were no surprise, superfluous bills or actions taken that I wasn’t 100% comfortable with, which is so important.

She was available to chat on the phone and I far preferred dealing with one solicitor, who personally knew my case, rather than going via a larger firm where you do not receive such a focused, expedited approach.

I would 100% recommend Lucy to my closest friends and family.

Ms S – Hove

Thank you for all your time and support over the last 2 years. I believe your expertise and advice has seen that we’ve had such a positive outcome and for that I will always be grateful.

Ms K

Thank you for all your help through my divorce. It has truly been an incredibly stressful ordeal, much more than I ever thought it would be. What I originally thought would be a simple and even quick divorce and parting of the ways, turned into something really quite different and ugly. However, you have kept me updated through the whole procedure, explained my options to me and the process. Some of which not always clear to me so thank you for your patience. You have also been mindful of costings of which I am grateful. Your attention to detail was also very reassuring, especially at a times when I just wanted the whole thing to be over.
So again, thank you.

Mrs W – Brighton 

Lucy has the rare quality of combining compassion and understanding with excellent knowledge and professionalism. She always made sure I understood what were sometimes difficult legal processes and she was realistic about time-frames and risks. Lucy manages to calm difficult situations and we got the best result possible. I hope I won’t need her services again but have already recommended her to a colleague.

Ms C

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

Thank you very much, I know I keep saying this but you have been absolutely fantastic with all your help, advice, support and energy. Thank you very much Michelle.

Mr S

I’d like to thank you for your assistance. Your friendly, professional manner has been greatly appreciated particularly with such a sensitive and stressful subject. I’m very pleased I chose your firm.

Ms K

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