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

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

Samantha Barker at Brighton and Hove Law conducts her cases with competent vigour which undoubtedly makes the role of our barristers seamless. 

Steve Lavell, Director of Clerking

Dear Michelle,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for your kindness, patience and strength you showed us. We got through this due to some very special people and you were one of them. We could not have achieved this resolution without your guidance and care.

Ms M

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

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and the team – not the nicest of circumstances – but it was a real pleasure working with you, which resulted in the right outcome. You certainly kept me sane and my feet on the ground throughout the process. Finally, thank you for keeping my costs down. I have already recommended you to several people should they need any legal advice.

Mr S – East Sussex

Thank you for all the hard work, time and effort your put into this case to help me and my son. You have been fantastic through and always supported and advised when it was needed.

Ms B

Thank you so very much for your help and steering us through a minefield! Take care and be happy

Ms W

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

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