Care Proceedings involving Social Services
In certain circumstances, social workers with Children Services at the Local Authority become involved with some families. This can often leave parents, grandparents and other family members feeling powerless, uncertain and even frightened about what might happen in the future.
At Fosters we offer clear and direct advice designed to assist and help you understand and be part of the process.
If a Local Authority decides to bring care proceedings, one of our experienced advocates will represent you at Court, helping you through the process and ensuring that your voice is heard with the view to trying to achieve a successful outcome.
Even if proceedings are taking place in a different part of the country, we can provide you with expert advice right here in Norfolk and arrange for you to be represented at Court by carefully selected local lawyers.
To talk to us in complete confidence, please telephone us on the below number and ask to speak to one of our Public Law Family specialists. Alternatively, use the e-mail options below.
For emergency, out of office hours advice, telephone 07775 947944.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Social Workers take my child away from me?
If social workers with Children Services (a part of the Local Authority) wanted to remove a parent or other primary carer’s child or children, they would have to be able to demonstrate that the child or children in question had been seriously harmed or would be likely to suffer from significant harm in the future if no action were taken.
If you receive a letter from Children Services in which concerns are raised about the care you give to your child or children, then you should phone us immediately and we can discuss your particular circumstances.
- If my children are taken into foster care, can I see them?
The Local Authority has a duty to ensure that any ‘looked after child’ is able to have suitable contact with close family members. If an involved family member does not feel that the contact arrangements are in the children’s best interests and therefore disagrees with Children Services, then there will usually be an opportunity for that individual to ask the court to decide what arrangements should be in place.
- If my children are taken into foster care, can my family offer to look after them?
The Local Authority has a duty to consider whether it would be better to place a ‘looked after child’ with a family member rather than a foster carer. The court would usually only agree to a child going to live with an extended family member if that would meet that child’s best interests. The court would usually only be in a position to know this after assessments of the proposed family member.
- If the Local Authority brings care proceedings, will it cost me to instruct a solicitor?
Parents and others with ‘parental responsibility’ are automatically eligible for public funding regardless of their income and the circumstances of the case.
The Family Team
Solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitor
Paralegal
Solicitor