Head of Family and Childcare
Charlotte (not her real name) contacted our Care Proceedings Solicitors for help when she was told that Social Services were starting court proceedings because of their concerns about her children.
Charlotte had 3 children aged 3, 5, and 7.
Charlotte has been struggling with her mental health for some time and recently things had gone downhill at home. She also started experiencing controlling behaviour and violence from her partner. She felt like she had no one to turn to.
Social Services, who has already been involved with the children, were worried that the they were being exposed to the violent arguments between Charlotte and her partner. They were also concerned that the children were being left on their own for long periods of time and their attendance at school decline. They felt it was clear that the children’s need were not being prioritised.
Social Services felt the intervention provided to date was not working and therefore issued Care Proceedings.
My client received several text messages from Grace yesterday, following the social workers visit.
I understand the social worker allegedly told Grace that a return to either parents care was no longer an option. Grace was told that the only option would be for the girls to move to live with their grandparents’ long term. The father reassured Grace that final decisions have not yet been made, which seemed to settle her.
We do not want to jump to conclusion and therefore it would be helpful if you clarified what was discussed yesterday. They indicated that at the first Court hearing they were going to ask the Judge to make an interim Care Order, to place her children in foster care.
We're rated‘Excellent’A member of our Care Proceedings team met with Charlotte before the first Court hearing. She admitted that she was struggling to care for her children, and that she needed help. But she was really worried about her children going into foster care, even temporarily.
After talking to Charlotte, our team identified a close relative who was happy to put herself forward as a temporary carer for the children. We immediately contacted Social Services to make sure that they considered Charlotte’s relative as the first option.
The social worker agreed to meet with her relative and assess whether or not she could temporarily care for the children and the assessment was positive.
A Section 20 is a voluntary agreement where social workers invite a person with Parental Responsibility to agree to have their child temporarily placed in alternative accommodation such as foster care. If a social worker has asked you to consider Section 20, you might be feeling worried about what happens next. It’s important you consider your options carefully before making any decisions.
There are several different types of Court Orders relating to children which social workers can request, each with their own specific criteria, effects and time scales. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors outline the different types of proceedings a social worker may consider for your family.
If you’ve been told by Social Services that they’ve applied to Court because of concerns surrounding your child, you’ll likely feel worried. The views of Social workers form an essential part of the judge’s decision-making process, but their opinion won’t be the only one heard in Court.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk. (n.d.). Local authority investigations of child abuse. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Teulu/children-and-young-people/protecting-children/local-authority-involvement/local-authority-investigations-of-child-abuse/.
Research in Practice. (n.d.). Letter Before Proceedings. [online] Available at: https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk/media/o2ros0kw/letter-before-proceedings.pdf.
As a Partner, Children Panel Solicitor and Department Head of our teams of Care Proceedings Solicitors in London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds; Patricia represents parents, other carers and children in care proceedings and other matters related to disputes regarding children.
Patricia also offers advice and representation to those seeking protection from or responding to allegations of domestic abuse.
Patricia joined Simpson Millar in October 2018, and has over 20 years’ experience in Family Law, having qualified as a Solicitor in 2001.
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