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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

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

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 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

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

Ms W

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

Ms W

Samantha Barker is extremely experienced and able. Samantha turns her hand to a wide range of children work, particularly care work achieving outstanding outcomes for a variety of clients who often present as extremely vulnerable. The team at Brighton and Hove Law have a wide breadth of practice which is second to none.

Kristina Hopper, Barrister

Thank you for all your help Sarah. I would not have got to this point on my own without your help. I appreciate everything you’ve done and the way you have always been so approachable and understanding of my situation. Without having you there this past year, I would be in a much more anxious and unhappy state of mind – and I would have felt helpless and unable to speak during the hearings.

Ms G

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 

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