When social services become involved with your family, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, confused, and worried about the future. These situations are deeply emotional and complex, requiring experienced legal guidance to navigate the process and secure the best outcome. That’s where we come in.
At Rosewood Solicitors, our dedicated child care lawyers specialise in care proceedings and the Public Law Outline (PLO). As members of the Law Society Children Panel, we have the expertise to provide clear, compassionate, and authoritative legal support when you need it most. We are here to provide clear, compassionate, and authoritative guidance.
What Are Care Proceedings?
Care proceedings are initiated by Children’s Services when they believe a child may be at significant risk of harm, such that the involvement of the court is necessary. These cases can lead to life-changing decisions, so expert legal representation is essential.
Care proceedings may lead to a judge making one of a range of orders, including:
- Care Orders, which grant parental responsibility for a child to the local authority.
- Supervision Orders, allowing a child to remain with their family subject to supervision and oversight by the local authority.
- Placement and Adoption Orders, facilitating long-term solutions, including where a child cannot safely remain in the care of their parents or birth family.
- Emergency Protection Orders, where there is an imminent risk to a child which requires their immediate removal to alternative accommodation.
- Child Arrangements Orders, organising where a child will live and how contact with family members will be maintained.
What is the Public Law Outline (PLO)?
Before care proceedings begin, family members may enter into the Public Law Outline process—a pre-proceedings phase designed to explore solutions and avoid court intervention where possible. If you’ve received a PLO letter from Children’s Services, it’s vital to seek legal advice immediately.
Our child care lawyers can attend PLO meetings with you, offering expert guidance and advocating for your family.
Why Choose Rosewood Solicitors?
- Specialist Expertise – Our solicitors include members of the Law Society Children Panel, recognised for their knowledge and experience in care cases. We are trusted by parents, family members, and Children’s Guardians alike.
- Compassionate Representation – We understand the emotional toll these cases take on parents and families. That’s why we’re committed to providing empathetic, personalised support tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Swift Action in Emergencies: Should you require urgent legal representation, our team is able to respond quickly and effectively.
- Strong Advocacy: Whether representing you at a PLO meeting or arguing for your family in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your child.
How We Can Help
No case is too complex or difficult for our experienced team. We can support you at every stage, ensuring you understand the process and can fully participate in decisions affecting your family.
We provide expert advice and representation for all aspects of child care proceedings, including:
- Care Orders
- Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Placement Orders
- Adoption Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Defending allegations of neglect, injury, or abuse
From your first consultation through to the final court hearing, we stand by your side - to protect your rights, safeguard your child’s welfare, and guide you every step of the way.
Do You Qualify for Legal Aid?
If you are a parent or hold parental responsibility, you are entitled to legal aid for care proceedings regardless of your financial circumstances. This means you can access our expert legal support without having to worry about the financial cost to you.
Contact Our Specialist Child Care Lawyers Today
At Rosewood Solicitors, we know how overwhelming and complex care proceedings can feel. We’re here to guide you through every step with professionalism, empathy, and expertise. No matter how challenging your situation may seem, we are here to support you and work with you to achieve the best outcome for your family. The sooner you seek advice, the more we can do to help.
📞 Call us today on 0300 373 2424, to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist child care solicitors.
Or complete our online enquiry form.
Don’t face care proceedings alone. Trust Rosewood Solicitors to provide the expert, compassionate legal support you need. We’ll stand by your side you every step of the way.