Social Services
Local authority social services can often become involved with a family if they believe that there is a need to protect the welfare of children. Detailed below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for this area of law.Q. What is the role of Social Services?
Social Services have a duty to promote the welfare of children and provide a range of services to protect children and to support families who may be experiencing difficulties. The level and type of support given is dependent on the nature and extent of the problems being encountered.
Q. Can a Local Authority take my Child into Care?
A Local Authority can apply to the Court for emergency protection if there is a sufficient need to protect the welfare of a child. The court could grant a Care Order, Supervision Order of other emergency powers to protect the child’s welfare.
Q. What is a Care Order?
A Care Order will place parental responsibility in the Local Authority who will make decisions for the child including where the child will live.
Q. What is a Supervision Order?
A Supervision Order will give the Local Authority the duty to monitor a child who will generally remain living at home or with family members.
Q. How can Clarkes help?
Clarkes can help represent parents, children, grandparents and extended family members in relation to social services involvement with children.
We can advise parents and family members who are seeking contact with children in care or even assist with the long term placement of children with family members or other adult carers as an alternative to adoption.
Clarkes solicitors are members of the Law Society Children Panel and can provide specialist legal advice and representation in child court proceedings. We are also members of Resolution who are committed to dealing with children cases in a sensitive and constructive manner.
Q. How much will it cost?
Clarkes will provide full details of costs and how these are calculated at the first meeting before any legal work is undertaken. You may be eligible for Legal Aid with your expenses paid from public funds.
Alternatively, we will provide you with our best estimate of how much your matter will cost overall, how long it will take and what to expect at the end of it. We will also discuss payment plans with and outline ways to pay your legal expenses over a number of months by instalments. You will of course be kept fully informed in writing of how much work has been carried out and how much more is likely to be necessary.
For expert legal help and advice on Social Services contact a member of our Family Law team or call Clarkes on 01952 291666.
