A local authority will start “care proceedings” if there are concerns about a child and can apply to the court for orders to protect them.
The local authority is responsible for making sure that children living in their area receive:
- An appropriate standard of care and are kept safe from harm
- Have suitable people looking after them
- Have someone independent to talk to
The Local Authority may ask the court to make a care order or supervision order.
A care order means the Local Authority shares parental responsibility so that the child is cared for by the council. During the court proceedings assessments will be carried out to see where the child should permanently live. Both during and after the proceedings this could be with family members, a foster placement; residential unit or an adoptive placement if a placement order is made.
A supervision order is where the local authority will assist, advise and befriend the child for a specified period – usually in the first instance between 6 and 12 months although this can be extended.
At Trueman’s we have extensive experience of acting for children, parents and other family members including grandparents in all types of cases. All the fee earners who deal with this type of work are members of the Law Society’s Children Panel. This means they are qualified to represent children as well as parents and have been approved by the Law Society to do so.
We know these proceedings can be upsetting for anyone involved in them and people can feel overwhelmed. We make sure that everything is explained to you at each stage of the proceedings so you feel reassured that you know what is going on.
Please call on 01865 722383 to make an appointment.