Care Proceedings (Public Law)

The local authority intervenes in the lives of children when they believe that they either have suffered or are at risk of suffering significant harm. Harm can be in the form of physical, sexual or emotional damage. In the most extreme cases the local authority starts care proceedings and will consider asking the court for permission to remove children from their parents’ care.

The intention of the Public Law Outline (PLO) process in which you are now involved is that parents are given a clear understanding in writing of the things that have gone wrong, what they need to do to put them right and the consequences if they do not do so.

There is no formal time limit on the pre-proceedings process. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate to the Local Authority your ability to work with them and address any concerns.

If you are able to take positives steps there be a number of reviews to ensure this is maintained before taking steps to come off the PLO process to a lower level of Local Authority involvement, such as a Child in Need Plan. If there is no meaningful change in circumstances prior to any review it is likely that the next step will be for proceedings to be issued at Court.

We are able to assist and advise in relation both PLO and Care Proceedings, both are covered by the legal help scheme and legal aid scheme.