When Can Social Care Legally Remove Your Children? (4 December 2025)

Sarah Peart and Sophie Jensen from our Leeds childcare team have released an important new video explaining the legal circumstances around child removal by social services.

What the Video Covers

In this informative session, Sarah (Director and Solicitor) and Sophie (Solicitor) break down the essential information parents need to know about when and how social care can remove children from their care.

Key topics include:

• The court orders required for child removal
• Emergency protection orders and interim care orders
• Police powers in emergency situations
• Your right to free legal representation
• Section 20 voluntary agreements and why you should seek advice before signing
• The care proceedings process and final outcomes

Why This Matters

Many parents are unsure about their rights when dealing with social services. Sarah and Sophie explain that in most cases, social care <em>cannot</em> remove children without a court order, and parents have the right to attend hearings and be represented.

The video provides crucial guidance on when to seek urgent legal advice and helps parents understand the different types of orders that may be applied for, from emergency protection orders (up to 8 days) to final care orders that determine long-term arrangements.

Watch Now

Understanding your rights is essential when dealing with child protection matters. We encourage anyone involved with social services or concerned about their situation to watch this video and contact our team for confidential legal advice.

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For urgent legal advice regarding childcare proceedings contact: Sarah Peart and Sophie Jensen

Sarah Peart Family Law Solicitor and Director 

Sarah Peart is a Leeds family law solicitor and Director at Duncan Lewis with over 20 years of experience. Since qualifying in 2002, she has specialised in representing parents and children in care proceedings and has been an accredited member of the Law Society's Specialist Children Panel for 17 years. Sarah has represented parties in cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal, handling complex matters including serious injuries to children, child deaths, complex medical evidence, factitious illness cases, cases involving foreign jurisdictions, parallel criminal proceedings, parental mental health, parental substance misuse, and domestic abuse. She is passionate about ensuring parents and children receive robust representation in proceedings brought by the state, providing honest, approachable advice during what is often the most stressful time in her clients' lives.

 Contact Sarah Peart 

Call: 02079238466

Email: sarahpea@duncanlewis.com

Sophie Jensen Childcare and Family Solicitor

Sophie Jensen is a Childcare and Family law solicitor in Leeds at Duncan Lewis. She acts for clients in a broad range of childcare and family law matters including when Social Care becomes involved with families at all levels, care proceedings, and private law disputes between parents, grandparents or other relatives. Sophie also acts for clients who have experienced domestic abuse and require injunctions or protective orders. She is experienced in handling publicly funded work where clients require legal aid to fund their case and accepts instructions on a privately paying basis.

 Contact Sophie Jenson 

Call: 02072752580

Email: sophiej@duncanlewis.com

About Duncan Lewis

Duncan Lewis is your trusted source for expert family lawyers in the UK. We understand the sensitive nature of family proceedings, especially when children are concerned, and provide solutions that reduce strain on all those involved. Our family department comprises a professional, efficient team with extensive experience in all aspects of family law, from care proceedings and child protection matters to divorce, domestic violence, and cohabitation disputes. Legal aid is available for many aspects of family and children work, and we also offer high-quality advice and representation on a privately funded basis at competitive rates.