What is a PLO meeting & why do I need to go?
When a PLO meeting is planned, you will receive a letter from your Local Authority asking you to attend a meeting. This should outline the reasons for the meeting and give you a time, date and location.
PLO meetings are put in place when the Local Authority and Social Workers have serious, ongoing concerns about the health, safety and wellbeing of a child.
Social Workers will be hoping to have an open and frank discussion with you. It isn’t the purpose of a PLO meeting to confront you or accuse you of being a terrible parent. You’ll have a chance to explain your circumstances and make suggestions about what you think is the best way to look after your child.
Hopefully, the outcome of the meeting will be to agree on a plan that will get you the help and support you need to better protect the welfare of your child, without needing to go to Court.
Why do you need to attend the PLO meeting?
Even if you and your social worker don’t see eye to eye, or you don’t agree with what they’re saying about your child’s welfare, you should still go to the PLO meeting. If you don't, there’s a real risk you’ll have to go to Court.