Have you received a ‘Pre-Proceedings Letter’ from a Social Worker stating that the Local Authority is considering starting court proceedings in relation to your child? Have you been asked to attend a ‘Pre Proceedings meeting’?
If this is the case, you should seek immediate legal advice. Our specialist Childcare team, can guide you through the Local Authority concerns and attend the Pre-Proceedings meeting with you.
Where Children’s Services are thinking about starting court proceedings in relation to a child, they have a duty to work with a family as much as possible. They should always try to find ways of ensuring the child can safely be brought up by a parent. Before starting court proceedings, the Local Authority should convene a ‘Pre-Proceedings meeting’. At this meeting you can have a solicitor attend with you.
When you attend the meeting, a Social Worker and Team Manager will be present. A solicitor from the Local Authority’s legal team will also be present.
At the meeting, Children’s Services are required to go through their concerns with you. Children’s Services should tell you what you need to do in order to avoid your child being removed from your care. There may be situations where you are invited to a meeting and your child has already been removed from your care. At this meeting, Children's Services should tell you what to do so that your child can come home.
It is important that you seek immediate legal advice. Due to the importance of your case, our specialist Childcare Team will aim to see you as soon as possible. Legal Aid is available which means you are entitled to free legal advice, whatever your financial circumstances. Contact us on 01905 721600 to speak to a member of our Child Care Team.
