Child Protection Orders
Fahrenheit Law – Supporting Parents Through Public Children Law Proceedings
When concerns arise about the welfare or safety of a child, the local authority may apply to the family court for various orders. These can include Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs), Interim Care Orders (ICOs), and Interim Supervision Orders (ISOs). Contrary to popular belief, child protection proceedings are not solely designed to remove a child from the home.
Public children law orders are issued when there are reasonable grounds to believe a child or sibling group is suffering or at risk of significant harm, which is attributed to the care provided by the parent or main carer. The court will conduct a thorough assessment, including input from parents, guardians, carers, and social services, to ensure decisions are made in the child’s best interests.
Common Concerns Leading to Proceedings:
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Harm
- Physical injury
- Domestic violence
These issues might be triggered by changes in circumstances or living arrangements, such as an adult with a history of abuse moving into the home.
Child Protection Conferences (CPCs)
CPCs are held outside of formal court and PLO processes, providing a platform for those caring for the child to discuss concerns and make suitable decisions. Outcomes can range from implementing a child protection plan to determining if the PLO process should begin or if court proceedings are necessary. Participation in CPCs is crucial as it influences the assessment of the child’s situation.
Participants in a CPC may include:
- Parents
- Carers
- Older siblings
- Family members
- Social services
- Doctors
- Teachers
- The child, if they are old enough to understand
While attendance is not mandatory, absence might be perceived as a lack of engagement, potentially impacting assessments. Early advice from our specialist care solicitors at Fahrenheit Law is essential.
Legal Support for Parents, Guardians, and Carers
Family courts prioritize the child’s needs during care proceedings. At Fahrenheit Law, we agree that the child’s best interests are paramount, but we also emphasize the importance of representing and hearing parents and carers. Care proceedings can be stressful, causing parents and carers to feel overwhelmed and confused, which may hinder their ability to communicate effectively.
Our goal at Fahrenheit Law is to provide expert legal advice to ensure parents and carers are properly represented and fully understand the documentation related to child protection concerns.
The Aim of Public Children Law Orders
These orders aim to protect the child or sibling group, which might include removing a child from the home and placing them in foster care. Before this step, friends and family members are assessed for their ability to provide temporary care.
Fahrenheit Law – Supporting You and Your Family
If concerns about your child’s welfare have been raised, it’s vital that your story is heard to help the court make the best decision for your family. Fahrenheit Law offers expert legal advice and support from experienced solicitors in child protection issues.
