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When Social Services become involved with your family, it can be a stressful and emotional experience. Many people feel overwhelmed, unsure of their rights and what support is available, as well as when to contact a solicitor.

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors in Leeds, our experienced family law and childcare solicitors support parents, grandparents, and carers at all stages of Social Services involvement, from early assessments to court proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• Social Services involvement happens at different levels: Child in Need, Child Protection, Public Law Outline, and Care Proceedings.
• If you are contacted by Social Services, especially via a PLO letter, you should speak to a childcare solicitor immediately.
• Legal aid may be available depending on your situation.

Why Are Social Services Involved with My Family?

There are various reasons Children’s Services (commonly referred to as Social Services or Social Care) may become involved with your family. These typically relate to concerns about a child’s safety, health, development, or wellbeing.

Social Services usually begin with an assessment to determine the level of involvement needed. There are four main levels:

Child in Need (CIN)

This is the lowest level of Social Services involvement. It applies when a child may not be achieving a reasonable standard of health or development (including mental or emotional wellbeing), or if the child is considered disabled.

Social Services will usually carry out a Section 17 Assessment. If a child is found to be “in need”, a Child in Need Plan will be created to set out services that may include:

• Parenting support
• Counselling
• Assistance with transport
• Educational or social activities

If you have been told your child is “in need”, our family solicitors in Leeds can explain your rights and options.

Child Protection (CP)

If Social Services believe a child is at risk of significant harm, they may initiate Child Protection procedures.

This involves:

• A Child Protection Conference with parents, teachers, health professionals, and social workers.
• A Child Protection Plan to reduce risks and provide support.
• Regular social worker visits and review meetings.

Social Services may step the case down to CIN or escalate to Public Law Outline if concerns persist.

Public Law Outline (PLO)

The Public Law Outline process is the final step before court proceedings.

If you receive a PLO letter (Letter Before Proceedings), it means Social Services are seriously concerned and may apply to court. You should:

Contact a childcare solicitor in Leeds immediately – you are entitled to free legal advice under legal aid.

At the PLO meeting, you will have the chance to work with Social Services to address concerns. The process is usually reviewed after 6–8 weeks.

Care Proceedings

This is the most serious level of involvement, where the Local Authority applies to court for orders to protect a child they believe is suffering or at risk.

During Care Proceedings:

• You will be represented in court.
• A Children’s Guardian from CAFCASS is appointed to represent the child’s interests.
• The court may issue a Care Order, allowing Social Services to decide where the child lives and what contact they have with their parents.

These cases usually last up to 26 weeks (6 months), during which assessments and plans for the child’s long-term future are made.

Will I Need to Pay for Legal Advice?

Many families are eligible for legal aid depending on the level of involvement and financial circumstances.

• CIN or Child Protection: You may be eligible for Legal Help if on benefits (e.g. Universal Credit) or a low income.
• PLO letter: You are automatically entitled to legal aid.
• Care Proceedings: Parents and carers with parental responsibility automatically qualify for legal aid.

When Should I Speak to a Solicitor?

You should speak to a family solicitor as soon as Social Services contact you.

If you receive a PLO letter, or notice that court proceedings may begin, it’s essential to seek legal advice immediately.

How Duncan Lewis Solicitors in Leeds Can Help

Our award-winning family law solicitors in Leeds provide expert guidance to parents, grandparents, and carers at all stages of Social Services involvement.

• Urgent same-day advice
• Support in PLO meetings and court hearings
• Applications for legal aid where available

About the author

Sophie Jensen (Duncan Lewis Solicitors, Leeds)

Sophie Jensen is a solicitor in the Childcare and Family Department based in the Leeds office. She represents clients in a wide range of matters, including care proceedings, social services involvement, private law disputes between family members, and cases involving domestic abuse requiring protective orders. Sophie is experienced in both legal aid and privately funded work. She is also an accredited police station representative and can advise clients following arrest.
For advice in any family and child care matter contact Sophie via telephone on 020 7275 2580 or email at sophiej@duncanlewis.com.

Our Firm

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a leading UK law firm, recognised for its excellence across a broad spectrum of legal services. Ranked Top Tier in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, the firm was named Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis Awards 2024, following its win in the same category at the Modern Law Awards 2023. We are currently the LexisNexis Family law Team of the Year (London).