Family Law FAQs

What are care proceedings?

Care proceedings are court proceedings started by a local authority when there are serious worries that a child is suffering, or is at risk of suffering, significant harm. The Local Authority asks the Family Court to make orders about the child’s care.

See our page: Care Proceedings

What is the Public Law Outline?

The Public Law Outline, or PLO, is a formal pre-proceedings process used where the local authority has serious concerns and is considering whether court proceedings may be needed.

See our page: PLO and Pre-Proceedings Meetings

Does a PLO letter mean my child will be removed?

No. A PLO letter does not automatically mean a child will be removed, but it is serious and means legal advice should be sought immediately.

See our page: PLO and Pre-Proceedings Meetings

Can I get legal aid for care proceedings?

Parents in care proceedings are generally entitled to free legal representation which is funded by the Legal Aid Agency.

See our page: Legal Aid for Care Proceedings

Can I get legal aid for a PLO meeting?

Parents required to attend a PLO meeting are generally entitled to free legal representation which is funded by the Legal Aid Agency.

See our page: PLO and Pre-Proceedings Meetings

What is an Interim Care Order?

An Interim Care Order is a temporary order made during care proceedings. It gives the local authority parental responsibility while the case continues.

See our page: Emergency Protection Orders and Interim Care Orders

What is a Care Order?

A Care Order is a court order that gives the local authority parental responsibility for a child alongside the parents. It allows the local authority to make decisions about the child’s care and welfare, including where the child lives, where the court considers this necessary to protect the child.

See our page: Care Proceedings

What is an Interim Supervision Order?

An Interim Supervision Order is a temporary court order made during care proceedings that allows the local authority to advise, assist and supervise a child and their family while the case is ongoing. Parents retain parental responsibility, and the child will usually remain living at home.

See our page: Care Proceedings

What is a Supervision Order?

A Supervision Order is a court order that allows the local authority to advise, assist and support a child and their family. The child usually remains living at home, and parents keep parental responsibility, while Children’s Services monitor the child’s welfare and provide ongoing support. A Supervision Order can last for up to one year initially and may be extended by the court, up to a maximum total period of three years.

See our page: Care Proceedings

What is a Child Protection Conference?

A Child Protection Conference is a meeting where professionals share information and decide whether a child protection plan is needed.

See our page: Child Protection and Child in Need

Can grandparents or other family members be assessed as carers in care proceedings?

Yes. Grandparents and other family members can sometimes be assessed as potential carers. Their details should be provided to the Local Authority and your solicitors as early as possible.

See our page: Care Proceedings

What is a Special Guardianship Order?

A Special Guardianship Order gives a carer enhanced parental responsibility and can provide a long-term placement for a child outside the care of parents.

See our page: Special Guardianship Orders

Do I need a solicitor if Social Services contact me?

It is sensible to seek advice early if Social Services mention PLO, care proceedings, removal, court, urgent orders or serious child protection concerns. Our family team are here to help.

Still have a question? Meet the family law team, return to our family law page or contact us.

This page 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.