Social Services

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What happens in care proceedings?

If the local authorities (social services) become concerned about the welfare of your child, they may ask you attend a Meeting Before Action. If you receive a letter from social services advising you that you need to attend such a meeting, you should access legal representation immediately.

Dependent on the circumstances, social services may decide to bring a court case. This generally includes applying for an interim care order, where a child can be taken into care on a temporary basis for up to eight weeks. This may only be made if the court is of the view that the child is at risk of harm. This process can be lengthy, so we work to prepare you for all outcomes.

At Brighton & Hove Law, we can offer expert, non-judgmental advice in what is undoubtably a stressful and highly complex situation. It is highly important that you have a specialist to help you through the process, reduce the stress of the situation and ensure the best possible outcome for your family. We are highly experienced in representing clients in cases concerning social services, so can assist you through this process with care and sensitivity. Please contact us if you have any questions, as this can be complex and we will be able to clarify the proceedings for you.

When can the local authorities make an application to take children into care?

This will be if there is concern for the welfare of your child. The circumstances that may trigger such an application will generally include concerns about neglect, or concerns that the child is being abused. We can guide you through the process of what social services are concerned about, and explain what may constitute neglect or abuse.

Do I qualify for legal aid?

If you have been asked to attend a Meeting Before Action with social services, you will qualify for legal aid automatically. Equally, if you have children who are the subject of care proceedings issued at court, you will also qualify for legal aid. If you are the grandparent or other family member, you may qualify for legal aid. For more information on legal aid, see our website or contact us to discuss your options.

What may be the outcome of care proceedings?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, and what the court finds, there are a number of potential outcomes that you may witness at the conclusion of care proceedings. This can range from the child being sent home with the parent if the risk is reduced, to the child living in a children’s home or being fostered or adopted. Please contact us if you are involved with social services so we can assist you through the process, or if you have any questions.

Client Testimonials

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

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

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 must say you have been amazing throughout this process and we both are most grateful. I know it has not been the most straightforward of cases, but your understanding, flexibility and patience, along with your excellent communications have made it as pain free as could be possible. I will without doubt be recommending your services.

Mr F

It is always a pleasure to receive a brief from Jennifer Lynch and Lucy Gregory. They are detailed and helpful which greatly assists in the through prep of a case. Their robust approach and collaborative working is reassuring for clients and energising to work with.

Sarah Dummett and Ellie Chapman provide a first class, client focused service. Their advice and approach is accessible while robust.

Ayisha Robertson, Barrister

Thank you so much for all your help over the last 18 months. I couldn’t have done it without you! You truly are wonderful and amazing at what you do and have played a huge role in supporting my family. I will miss our phone calls – I’m not going to know what to do with myself now! The happiness of my children together really sums up what we’ve been fighting for the past year and a half! Again, thank you so much, from all of us.

Mrs A

Samantha Barker is a highly driven solicitor, who is passionate about client care. She goes over and beyond to serve her clients and is meticulous in preparation of highly sensitive and serious cases. I am always fully instructed by her within childcare family proceedings and find that her case management and follow up of the proceedings, is highly professional. Ms Barker is highly motivated in obtaining the best outcome for her clients.

Aisha Jamil, 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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