Hero 1 Hero 2 Hero 3
Call Us - 024 7622 6575 Offices in Coventry, Kenilworth and Wellesbourne
Contact Us
Children and Child Protection

Are social services involved in your family? Are you worried that your child might be removed from your care?

We are specialist lawyers who can help with a wide range of cases.

We understand that when there is a court case involving your children it is frightening and stressful. We know that the thought of having your child removed from your care will be devastating for you.

We will help you during the process and support you in either the ‘pre-proceedings’ process or in court proceedings.

We give clear and helpful advice and ensure you understand the process and what is expected of you. If your child is not living with you, we will focus on you having the best possible arrangement to see your child and on how you can work towards getting your child back.

We can help you from the very first time a social worker speaks with you.

Our lawyers have many years of experience in speaking up for clients who have social services involvement in their family and will be there to speak up for you.

Contact us

Our Services

Pre-proceedings process

If your social worker has said they want to go through the pre-proceedings process, this means they are thinking about taking the matter to Court. You will be invited to a meeting to talk about concerns and what you can do to prevent going to Court.

We can attend this meeting with you and speak up for you during this process.

We have had very good results in cases in pre-proceedings which have not gone to court and social services involvement has been stepped down.

You will have free legal help during this process.

Family Drug and Alcohol Court

You may be offered help from the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) if you have difficulties with drugs or alcohol.

FDAC have a team of workers who will provide you with wrap-around support in your addiction recovery journey.

We are able to advise you through FDAC proceedings and we have had very good results in cases where FDAC have been involved with many parents being reunited with their children.

Complex cases

We are very experienced in dealing with complex cases, including:

  • Cases where the Local Authority think there has been a non-accidental injury to a child
  • Fabricated or induced illness (FII)
  • Allegations of serious abuse
  • Parental alienation

In these cases, we will ensure you have the best specialist team of lawyers to represent you.

Special Guardianship

We advise family members who are already caring for children or who would like to care for children in the family.

Legal aid has been extended to cover Special Guardianship in some circumstances.

We are able to make Court applications on your behalf for Special Guardianship Orders and advise and represent you during that process.

It is vitally important that you have advice in respect of the SGO support plan, particularly in respect of contact arrangements and financial support. We will discuss this with you in detail and liaise with the Local Authority to achieve the support that you require.

Our focus is on providing professional, sensible and clear advice throughout.

Care proceedings

This is when the Local Authority makes a Court application and applies for an order in relation to your child (care order or supervision order).

We are very experienced in representing clients in care proceedings.

As a parent, you will have free legal aid.

We will:

  • Make sure you understand the Court process and have additional help to understand if you need it – we have a lot of experience of working with parents who have a lay advocate
  • Listen to what you have to say and your story
  • Keep you fully informed of the Court’s decisions and what is expected of you
  • Set out your position at Court for the Judge
  • Argue that your child should remain in your care if this is what you want
  • If your child is not with you, we will work to put in place the best possible arrangement for you to see your child
  • Ask the Court for the right assessment of you if an assessment is needed
  • Draft statements for you that are really clear and tell the Court all the things you want to say

FAQ

What happens when social services get involved with my family?

When social services become involved, they will assess your child’s safety and wellbeing. This may include home visits, meetings and working with you to address any concerns. Our specialist family lawyers can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Can social services remove my child from my care?

Social services cannot remove your child without your consent unless they have a court order. If there is an emergency situation, your child can only be removed by the police. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

What are care proceedings?

Care proceedings are court cases started by social services when they believe a child may be at risk of harm. The court will decide whether a child should remain with their family or be placed elsewhere. If your child is not living with you, we will work to ensure you have the best possible arrangements for contact o maintain your relationship.

What is the pre-proceedings process (PLO)?

The pre-proceedings process, also known as the Public Law Outline (PLO), is a formal step before court. The purpose of this is to avoid having to go to court. You will usually be invited to a meeting with social services and given the opportunity to make changes. Legal advice at this stage is crucial.

Do I qualify for Legal Aid in care proceedings?

In most cases involving care proceedings, parents are entitled to free legal representation (Legal Aid), regardless of income. We can advise you on your eligibility.

What should I do if a social worker contacts me?

It is important to remain calm and cooperative, but you should seek legal advice before attending meetings or agreeing to anything. We can support you from the very first contact with social services.

Will I have to go to court?

Not always. Some cases are resolved during the pre-proceedings stage. However, if concerns remain, social services may apply to court. We can support and represent you throughout.

Can I get my child back if they have been removed?

Yes, in some cases it is possible. The court will consider whether changes have been made and whether it is safe for your child to return. We will help you work towards the best possible outcome.

Will I still be able to see my child?

If your child is not living with you, arrangements are usually made for you to have contact. We will work to ensure you have the best possible arrangements to maintain your relationship.

How can a lawyer help with social services involvement?

A specialist family lawyer will explain your rights, represent you in meetings and court, and ensure your voice is heard. We provide clear advice and strong representation at every stage.

How quickly should I get legal advice?

You should seek legal advice as soon as social services become involved. Early advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

Can you help me before court proceedings start?

Yes. We can advise and support you during the pre-proceedings stage, helping you understand what is expected and how to respond to social services’ concerns.

Our Team

Jennifer Wilson Member/Solicitor/Advocate, Coventry Childcare and Child Protection

024 7622 6575 jennifer.wilson@penmanssolicitors.co.uk
More Details

Simon Jones Solicitor, Coventry Childcare and Child Protection

024 7622 6575 simon.jones@penmanssolicitors.co.uk
More Details

Sarah Morris Chartered Legal Executive Advocate, Coventry Childcare and Child Protection

024 7622 6575 sarah.morris@penmanssolicitors.co.uk
More Details