Pre-Proceedings (Public Law Outline)
Understanding Pre-Proceedings and the Public Law Outline (PLO)
If a local authority is involved with your family, a social worker will be assigned to work directly with you and your children. Various levels of social work intervention exist prior to court proceedings, including PLO proceedings, child protection plans, and child in need plans.
PLO Proceedings
The Public Law Outline (PLO) outlines the duties of local authorities when considering taking a case to court for a care order or a supervision order. This is often referred to as initiating public law care proceedings.
The local authority may invite parents to a Public Law Outline Meeting (PLO) or a pre-proceedings meeting. A PLO meeting is typically the last opportunity to resolve matters by agreement before care proceedings are initiated.
FAQs About PLO Meetings
What happens at a PLO Meeting?
A PLO meeting is attended by the local authority (social worker, team manager, and solicitor) along with the parents to negotiate or reach an agreement to prevent the matter from going to court.
How long should the PLO last?
The PLO process should last a maximum of 10 weeks, except in exceptional circumstances.
Should I attend the PLO meeting?
Yes, it is crucial to attend the PLO meeting if you receive a notice of intention to commence care proceedings. A solicitor can attend the meeting with you to provide advice on the process.
Will I be entitled to legal aid?
Yes, if you receive a notice of intention to commence care proceedings, you will be entitled to free legal advice under the public law legal help scheme.
Childcare & Social Services Legal Advice
If Social Services are involved with your family and you are asked to attend a Pre-Proceedings (PLO) meeting, remember that you have the right to have a solicitor present. You will also be entitled to Legal Aid.
Child Protection Issues
Child Protection Conferences
A Child Protection Conference is a meeting between family members and professionals, including the local authority, to discuss a child’s safety, health, and development. The conference evaluates relevant information and circumstances to determine the best way to safeguard the child and promote their welfare.
FAQs About Child Protection Conferences
Who attends the conference?
All professionals involved, such as school representatives, GPs, police, or health visitors, will attend. The parents of the child(ren) will also be invited.
What is a child protection plan?
The plan assesses the likelihood of the child suffering harm and identifies ways to protect the child.
What are the categories for child registration?
There are four categories: neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
Should I attend the conference?
Yes, attending the conference allows you to discuss concerns and have your voice heard.
Can I bring a solicitor?
A solicitor can attend the conference with you to provide support and guidance.
Is legal aid available?
You may be entitled to assistance under the legal help scheme, which is means and merits tested.
Legal Help with Child Protection Conferences
Fahrenheit Law has specialist child care solicitors experienced in child protection and Court of Protection cases with a proven track record of achieving positive changes for clients facing child protection conferences.
Child in Need Plans
A child in need plan outlines any identified developmental needs of a child and the services provided to support the child and family by Social Services.
FAQs About Child in Need Plans
What is a child in need meeting?
A child in need (CIN) meeting is held with Social Services to assess whether a child needs extra help from professionals to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development.
Can I bring a solicitor to the meeting?
Solicitors cannot attend CIN meetings, but you can speak to a solicitor beforehand if you have concerns.
Is legal aid available?
Public funding is not readily available for these matters, but speaking to a solicitor for free advice over the phone may be beneficial.
Legal Advice for Children in Need Plans
Fahrenheit Law’s children lawyers can advise on provisions for a Child in Need and ensure that a child receives the necessary support from the local authority. Our child care solicitors specialize in dealing with complex and sensitive child care proceedings.
