Legal Help is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
Legal Aid is always available for parents of children who are being taken to court by social services”. Find out more about Legal Aid.
Child Protection Conferences are formal meetings held by social services and include other relevant professionals to assess and manage concerns about the safety and welfare of children. These conferences are typically convened when there are significant concerns about a child's welfare, such as abuse or neglect. Although solicitors are unable to speak at these conference, we are able to provide you with advice concerning the Child Protection Conference and Plan and can also attend to provide additional support.
If there are still concerns that the situation has not improved, the case could be escalated to a Pre-proceedings meeting (PLO meeting) and then Care proceedings in court. Our expert solicitors can give you the right advice and support every step of the way.
Child Protection Conferences involve multiple professionals from various agencies, such as social services, health services, education, police, and sometimes representatives from voluntary organizations. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the child's situation and facilitates collaborative decision-making.
The main purpose of the conference is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child's welfare and determine whether the child is at risk of significant harm. It also aims to develop a Child Protection Plan if necessary, outlining actions to safeguard the child's well-being.
Child Protection Conferences are typically followed by regular reviews to monitor the implementation of the Child Protection Plan and assess the child's progress. If necessary, further conferences may be convened to make adjustments to the plan based on changing circumstances.”
It is a formal meeting held by social services and includes other relevant professionals to assess and manage concerns about the safety and welfare of a child. Usually the child’s parents or caregivers will be invited to the meeting. However, in cases where this may affect the child’s safety or prevent an open discussion, they may not be invited. The main purpose of the conference is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child's welfare and determine whether the child is at risk of significant harm. It also aims to develop a Child Protection Plan if necessary, outlining actions to safeguard the child's well-being. This is a plan developed during the Child Protection Conference which outlines actions by the parent/caregiver and other professionals to safeguard the child’s wellbeing. After the Child Protection Conference, a core group will be set up which will include the social worker, parent/caregiver and 1 or 2 other professionals. They will meet usually every 4-6 weeks to see whether the plan is being adhered to. The Child Protection Conference usually reconvenes around 6 months after the first one. Legal Aid funding is not available for Child Protection Conference and a legal representative is not allowed to speak at the conference. They would be there to support the parent/caregiver if they want it. At this stage, Legal Aid funding is not available. “Legal Help” is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
What is a Child Protection conference?
Can the parent or guardian of the child attend a Child Protection Conference?
What happens at a Child Protection Conference?
What is a Child Protection Plan?
What happens after the Child Protection Conference?
Can the parent or caregiver get legal support for a Child Protection Conference?
Is Legal Aid funding available for a Child Protection Conference?
Our experts in public law care proceedings can provide you with support and guidance throughout the care proceeding's process. We are specialists in cases involving non-accidental injury and child neglect.
Legal 500 - Recommend Lawyer 2024
Our Care team have been included in the prestigious Legal 500 for many years with Vince Beckworth and Jason Burnett named “Recommended Lawyers” for their continued commitment to providing high quality, customer- focused legal services to clients.
“Vince Beckworth leads the busy care proceedings team where he is highly regarded for his representation of parents, family members and interveners in children’s care proceedings”
“Vince Beckworth, is exceptional in his commitment to his clients and to ensuring that they have the best advice and support available.”
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