Care Proceedings & Local Authority Advice

Legal Advice on Care Proceedings and Local Authority Involvement – Shrewsbury Family Solicitors

When social services or the local authority become involved with your family, it can be distressing and confusing. Whether there are concerns about your child’s safety, wellbeing, or home environment, it’s essential to know your rights and have the right legal support.

At Wace Morgan Solicitors in Shrewsbury, we provide clear, compassionate legal advice to parents, carers, and wider family members throughout local authority involvement and Care Proceedings.

Understanding Local Authority Involvement

Local authorities have a legal duty to protect children. If concerns are raised, social workers may assess your child’s circumstances through:

• Home visits
• Meetings with family
• Communication with schools or health professionals

Initial support may come through:

• A Child in Need Plan
• A Child Protection Plan

These voluntary plans often signal that the local authority is monitoring the family. If concerns escalate, the case may enter the Public Law Outline (PLO) process.

The Public Law Outline (PLO) process

The PLO is a formal process the local authority uses when it believes a child is at risk of significant harm. You may receive a PLO Letter and be invited to a pre-proceedings meeting.

This is a vital opportunity to:

• Understand the local authority’s concerns
• Respond with your solicitor’s help
• Take steps to avoid court proceedings

Legal Aid is automatically available to parents at this stage.

Our experienced team:

• Prepares you for the PLO meeting
• Helps you respond effectively
• Works to protect your child and your rights

Care Proceedings

If issues remain unresolved or the local authority believes a child is at immediate risk, Care Proceedings may be issued in the Family Court.

The Court will decide whether to make:

• A Care Order – the local authority shares parental responsibility and may remove the child from your care
• A Supervision Order – the child remains with you under local authority supervision

The court considers:

• The child’s best interests (welfare principle)
• Risk of harm
• Emotional and physical needs
• Each parent or carer’s capacity
• The child’s wishes, depending on age

We represent parents and carers at every stage, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights protected.

Placement Orders

A Placement Order allows the local authority to place a child for adoption, even if the parents do not consent. This is one of the most serious orders the court can make.

The court will only grant a Placement Order if:

• A Care Order is already in place or is being made
• The court believes adoption is the best long-term option for the child

Placement Orders are life-changing and legally complex. Our solicitors will:

• Challenge the order if it is not justified
• Ensure your circumstances and relationship with the child are fully considered
• Help you understand your rights to oppose adoption or appeal decisions

Support for Grandparents and Extended Family

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives often want to care for the child when parents are struggling. However, you are not automatically involved in care proceedings.

We can help you:

• Apply for party status in proceedings
• Explore Special Guardianship Orders (SGO)
• Navigate viability assessments

We’ll prepare strong statements and present your relationship with the child clearly to the court.

Legal Aid and How We Help

We understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our team offers:

• Free Legal Aid for parents (non-means-tested)
• Legal Aid for some family members, depending on their circumstances
• Prompt appointments, in person or remotely
• Honest advice, emotional support, and experienced representation

At Wace Morgan, our experienced legal team are experts in their field, providing clear, reliable advice across a range of legal matters. Call us today on  01743 280 100 or request a call back online using our Enquiry Form.