Understand Your Situation
Legal representation for parents and families when the local authority (Social Services) intervenes due to concerns over a child's safety.
Public law cases involve the state intervening in family life. This usually begins when a local authority applies for a Care Order or a Supervision Order under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989. The court must decide if the 'threshold' has been met—meaning the child is suffering, or is at risk of suffering, significant harm. This is a highly regulated process with strict timelines for the court to reach a decision.
Legislation & Rights
A confidential consultation provides immediate clarity on the local authority's powers and the steps parents must take to protect their family.
Plan Your Defence
Legal representation is essential from the moment a 'Letter Before Proceedings' is received or an Emergency Protection Order is made. The process involves attending 'PLO' meetings and court hearings where the child’s future is decided. The focus is on ensuring the parents' voice is heard and that every alternative to taking the child into care—such as placement with other family members—is fully explored by the court.
Defence & Evidence
Expert legal advice ensures that the threshold for intervention is challenged and that the best interests of the child are forensically examined.
Legal Aid Availability
For many criminal matters, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, public funding (Legal Aid) may be available to cover your legal costs.
Eligibility is determined by the seriousness of the case and, in some instances, a means assessment. Our team will conduct an immediate, confidential assessment of your eligibility to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a robust defence.
