During Private Children Law proceedings, such as an application for a child arrangement order, if concerns are raised in relation to the welfare of the child and the court are of the view that that it may be necessary for a Care Order or Supervision Order to be made then the Court will order a Section 37 Report. The Court will direct the Local Authority to undertake an investigation of the child`s circumstances and report to the Court as to whether they need to issues public law proceedings for Care or Supervision orders.
The investigation has to be completed within 8 weeks.
The Social Worker undertaking the assessment will take into account:
The report will cover a range of aspects, to include but not limited to the following:
Upon receipt of the section 37 Report:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors can advise you in relation to Section 37 Orders and Reports and can assist you within proceedings overall. Duncan Lewis Solicitors have specialist solicitors who represent parents, family members and children within this area of law. Our solicitors, trainees and caseworkers also speak a range of languages to assist clients where required with any language barriers.
Duncan Lewis is recommended by The Legal 500 legal directory for its specialism in all aspects of family and children law nationwide and cross-border. The Legal 500 applauds our family and child care solicitors to be a team of lawyers that are ‘friendly professionals who take their time to understand your case’. Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children.
Depending on the application, legal aid may be available and you can be assessed for this prior to the matter being taken on. Alternatively, a quote for a fixed fee or the hourly rates charged by your legal representative may also be provided. You will be advised of the funding arrangements prior to the proceedings commencing.
For expert legal advice on all family and childcare matters, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 033 3772 0409.