With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Family Law
Specialist Child and Family Law Services
Why Do Care Proceedings Begin?
Care proceedings may be initiated by the local authority when they believe a child is at risk and decisions need to be made to keep them safe.
Common reasons for care proceedings can include:
- Concerns around neglect
- Safety or wellbeing worries
- Emotional or physical harm
- Domestic abuse within the household
- Mental health concerns
- Substance misuse
- Unsafe living conditions
- Non-attendance at school
- Concerns raised by schools, health visitors, police, or others
- Issues around parents keeping the children safe from others
- Where newborns are at immediate risk
Our care proceedings solicitors know that cases involving children can be complex and carry significant emotional weight, but we take a non-judgemental, sensitive approach to each case.
We can act quickly and make sure the guidance you receive is crystal clear.
How We Support You Through Care Proceedings
Our compassionate and supportive team can help with care proceedings in a number of ways.
Attending Hearings
There are often several court hearings in care proceedings, which can feel confusing and intimidating, so we attend all hearings with you.
It’s our job to make sure you understand everything that’s happening and to make sure your views are heard in court.
We will also explain the judge’s decision to you and outline the next steps, so you feel supported throughout the process.
Explaining the Process, Next Steps, and Decisions
There are strict timelines, requirements, and assessments involved in such cases, so our knowledgeable team of care order solicitors will help you understand exactly what’s expected of you at every stage.
We will explain why assessments are being carried out, and be clear on what the court needs to make a decision.
Having someone on your side who understands the complexities of family law can help you stay prepared and reduce the stress of not knowing what comes next.
Challenging Assessments
Parents may often feel that assessments completed by social workers, experts, and independent assessors don’t fully reflect their situation.
We can review the assessments, highlight any errors or unfair conclusions, and challenge them when needed.
We’ll ensure your side of the story is put forward clearly and that unfair assessments are reviewed in detail.
Support Reunification Plans
Wherever possible, the goal should be to bring children home. The court will need to see progress and cooperation in order for this to happen.
Our team of care proceedings solicitors can clearly explain what steps you should take to meet the care plan requirements.
We’ll also work hard to make sure positive improvements are clearly communicated to the court.
Help family members explore their rights
In some situations, other family members may want to be involved in a child’s care.
Where this is the case, we can advise grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives of their rights, and explain whether they may be able to apply to look after the child.
We’re committed to ensuring that all options to keep the child safely within the family are explored.
Family Law
Emergency Hearings (EPO / ICO)
Emergency hearings, such as EPOs (Emergency Protection Orders) and ICOs (Interim Care Orders), can happen when a child is believed to be at immediate risk. These hearings move very quickly, and the local authority may ask the court for temporary orders to protect the child.The fast pace of these hearings makes strong legal support essential.
At Chivers, we are experienced in handling such cases and can explain why the local authority is requesting an EPO or an ICO. We work quickly to challenge the evidence where appropriate and ensure your side is fully heard. We will also help you understand what the court is likely to expect next and help you prepare for future hearings.
For support with an EPO or an ICO, contact our care proceedings specialists today on 01274 561666 for urgent advice.
Want to chat at a time that suits you?
Special Guardianship Orders
The court can make Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) to provide stability to a child when they can’t live with their parents.
Those named in the order will become the child’s special guardian and will assume parental responsibility until the child is 18 years old.
Our care order solicitors can guide you through the SGO process from start to finish. They’ll help you understand what the order means in plain English, and make sure your responsibilities are clear.
We give a lot of advice to carers a year after Care Proceedings have ended, particularly where a child has been placed with a family member, friend, or foster carer. In these cases, we can advise the carer on obtaining a Special Guardianship Order to secure long-term permanence for the child.
SGOs are often complex, so specialist legal representation ensures the court has the whole picture and the arrangements being agreed are in the child’s best interests.
Adoption
When a local authority decides the child cannot be safely returned to the family home, they may apply for the child to be placed for adoption.
Our solicitors will check whether the local authority has fully considered all possible alternatives, and we’ll ensure the decision is fair and proportionate.
We will help families understand the process and challenge the proceedings where appropriate.
Legal Aid for Care Proceedings
Most parents automatically qualify for legal aid in care proceedings cases. Get in touch today to discuss your particular circumstances.
Why Choose Chivers?
Our care proceedings solicitors have over 81 years of combined experience.
We are:
- Child and family Law specialists
- Experienced with parents and guardians
- Sensitive to your circumstances and offer clear, supportive advice
- Focused on the wellbeing of your children and securing the best possible outcome for you as a family
Speak to a Care Proceedings Solicitor
Our team has over 81 years of experience handling complex care proceedings. We can act quickly and provide you with clear, compassionate advice throughout.
We will work hard to ensure your family’s best interests are met. Request a consultation today or call us on 01274 561666.
our trusted legal experts
Solicitors Who Act in Family Law
“Chivers Solicitors are dedicated to providing honest, straightforward advice to clients in a friendly and cost effective way.”
Marcus Farrar, Principal
Care Proceeding FAQs
What does it mean if I’m in care proceedings?
It means the local authority is asking the court to look at the safety and wellbeing of your children. The court will decide what support or protection is needed.
Do I need a solicitor for care proceedings?
Yes, care proceedings can be complex, emotional, and can often move quickly. Having an experienced care proceedings solicitor at your side means you’ll have the best representation throughout.
Can family members be involved?
Yes, family members can be considered as carers, and the court may ask the local authority to assess them. They can also take part in the proceedings.
Will I get Legal Aid?
Legal aid is available for many care proceedings cases. If legal aid is not available for your case, we will provide clear information about the cost of instructing us on a private, fee-paying basis, including a detailed estimate. Get in touch to discuss your individual circumstances.
What happens at the first hearing?
The first hearing focuses on the concerns raised by the local authority. The court will decide what temporary arrangements are needed to keep the child safe.
Durham Office
Abbey Road Business Park, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ
0191 383 2222
Authorised and regulated by
the Solicitors Regulation Authority: Number 658884
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