Grandparents and Family Members in Care Proceedings
From the Family Law Team at Phillips Solicitors
When care proceedings are issued, grandparents and other family members may want to help. They may be assessed as potential carers if the child cannot remain with parents. Early action is important because the court timetable may not allow family members to come forward late without causing delay.
Coming forward early
Family members should tell the parents, social worker or local authority as soon as possible if they want to be considered. They may need to provide basic information quickly so the local authority can decide whether a fuller assessment is appropriate.
Types of assessment
The local authority may carry out viability assessments, connected person assessments, or special guardianship assessments depending on the circumstances. The assessment will consider whether the proposed arrangement is safe, realistic and in the child’s welfare interests.
Practical considerations
Family members should think carefully about the commitment involved. Caring for a child may affect work, housing, finances, relationships and contact arrangements. Support from the wider family may be important. It is better to discuss these issues openly during the assessment.
It is important to demonstrate that you have considered the decision carefully when discussing it with the local authority, and that you will be able to commit to being a carer either in the short term or long term. In the short term, the case will likely go on for at least 6 months and requires commitment for that time; in the long-term, it may mean caring for a child until they are adults.
Conclusion
These cases are serious, but parents and family members should not assume that the process is impossible to understand. Clear advice can help you focus on what is urgent, what evidence is needed and what steps may help before the next decision is made.
How Phillips Solicitors can help
Phillips Solicitors can advise parents and family members involved with Social Services, PLO meetings, care proceedings and related public law children matters. We can explain the process, help you prepare for meetings or hearings, consider the local authority’s concerns and represent you where appropriate.
Contact the Family Department as soon as possible if you have any questions about caring for a child during care proceedings and beyond.
You can contact us online or call 01623 658556 (option 2).
This article is general information only and is not legal advice on any individual case. The correct advice will depend on the documents, facts, urgency, funding position and the stage reached in the social services or court process.