Child Care Proceedings Team

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Samantha Barker

Solicitor Advocate

Sarah Dummett

Chartered Legal Executive

Jennifer Lynch

Solicitor Advocate

Care proceedings

The council can start care proceedings if they’re very worried about a child. They can apply for a care order, which means the council will assume parental responsibility for your child and can determine where your child can live.

The council can also apply for a placement order as well if they believe that the child should be adopted. This allows the council to place the child with suitable adopters.

Interim care proceeding orders

At the start of care proceedings, the council asks the family court to make a temporary court order called an interim care order. If the court agrees, the council can take the child into care on a temporary basis. This can be for up to 8 weeks.

Looking at the case

It can take up to 26 weeks for a court to decide what should happen to the child. Some complex cases can take longer.

During this time a social worker and an officer from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) will look into the reasons why the child may be at risk. They will also look at what can be done to keep them safe. They will talk to the parents and the child. They may talk to other family members or friends about looking after the child if they cannot safely live at home. The parents might also get support.

Reports

The social worker and Cafcass officer will each write a report for the court. These will outline what they think should happen to the child. They will include whether they think the child should be taken into care or stay with the family.

Once all the information has been gathered, there will be a court hearing.

Client Testimonials

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

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

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 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

Dear Jennifer,

I would just like to say a massive thank you to you and your team. I am so pleased that you have represented me and helped me win my children back into my life. Your legal advice is second to none and you are very approachable. This made me feel very comfortable and confident throughout.

Mr R 

Lucy is a robust, calm and thoughtful solicitor with an amazing eye for detail and sound judgement. She is a strategic thinker who is excellent with clients, approachable, empathetic and gives clear advice that is always focused on a pragmatic outcome. She goes above and beyond to assist clients and is top-tier.

Ben Earle, Barrister

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 cannot recommend Lucy Gregory from Brighton & Hove Law enough to anyone who is about to embark on a divorce. She was my rock in extremely difficult proceedings and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her knowledge, support and professionalism. I was given superior service and will always be glad I chose Brighton & Hove Law and Lucy to get me through one of the most anxious and stressful chapters of my life. An amazingly kind but professional family law firm to deal with. I will be forever grateful to you Lucy.

Ms D

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