As child law solicitors we act for parents, family members and children in complex cases where child abuse or neglect are of concern to the authorities. In this section we try and answer some of the most common questions asked when social services become involved. These are only meant to be brief answers to questions that are asked by families who are often in need of more in depth support and advice.
Bretherton Law provide child law advice for people located in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. If you and your family are being investigated by child social services and you need legal advice then please do get in touch either by calling the number above (9am – 5pm Monday – Friday) or by requesting a callback using the form at the bottom of this page. The first call is always free of charge and we can advise you if you are likely to be eligible for Legal Aid.
It’s important to take advice early so you can understand the process and try and achieve the best outcome.
What is Section 37 of the Children Act 1989?
Section 37 of the Children Act 1989 refers to a specific provision within the legislation that addresses the issue of making interim care orders for children. The Children Act 1989 is a law that outlines the legal framework for the protection and welfare of children in England and Wales.
Read more about Section 37.
What is a social services Section 37 report?
A social services Section 37 report refers to a specific type of report prepared by social services typically in the context of child welfare proceedings.
Read more about a Section 37 report.
What is a Section 47 in relation to social services?
Section 47 refers to a provision within the Children Act 1989. It empowers local authorities, specifically social services departments and the police to investigate and take action when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is at risk of significant harm.
Read more about Section 47.
What is Section 20 in relation to social services?
Section 20, also known as Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, relates to the provision of accommodation and services for children by local authorities. It empowers local authorities to provide voluntary accommodation for children in need.
Read more about Section 20.
What is a social services Section 7 report?
Section 7 reports, also known as Section 7 assessments, typically pertain to child protection or child welfare cases particularly where parents cannot agree about arrangements for their children on separation.
Read more about Section 7 reports.
In the context of social services in the UK, a Child in Need (CIN) plan is a term used to refer to a specific type of intervention and support provided to children and their families who are assessed as needing extra assistance.
Read more about Child in Need Plans.
What are the reasons social services would take a child?
In the UK, social services may request a court order to take a child into care or intervene in a family’s life for a variety of reasons. These reasons are based on concerns about the child’s welfare and safety.
Read more about reasons social services might remove a child.
What are my rights against social services?
As a parent in England and Wales, it is essential to be aware of your rights when interacting with social services. Navigating the complexities of such situations can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights empowers you to advocate for yourself and your child effectively.
Read more about social services and parents’ rights.
When do the police refer children to social services in the UK?
In the UK, the police must refer a case to social services in situations where they have concerns about the welfare or safety of a child.
Read more about police referrals to social services.
What is a Police Protection Order?
A Police Protection Order is a legal mechanism that empowers the police to intervene swiftly when a child is believed to be in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm. These orders are typically sought by the police when there are concerns regarding a child’s welfare, including instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Read more about police protection orders in relation to children.
What is a social services parenting assessment?
A social services parenting assessment is a process conducted by social services or child welfare agencies to evaluate the parenting abilities and suitability of individuals or couples who are involved in child protection cases.
Read more about parenting assessments.
Can social services end my relationship?
Social services generally do not have the authority to directly end a relationship between two consenting adults. Their primary focus is the well-being and safety of children. However, there are circumstances where their involvement may indirectly impact a relationship.
Read more about social services and your relationship.
Can social services use my past against me?
Social services agencies typically consider various factors when evaluating a situation, including the history and circumstances of the individuals involved. If you have a past that may impact your ability to provide a safe and suitable environment for a child, it is likely that this information will be taken into account during an assessment.
Read more about social services and your past.
Can social services take my child if I have depression?
The primary concern of social services is the welfare and safety of children. If you have depression, it does not automatically mean that your child will be taken away from you.
Read more about social services, children and depression.
Do grandparents have rights when social services investigate?
Grandparents do not have automatic legal rights regarding social services investigations. However, the law recognises that grandparents can play an important role in a child’s life and they may be involved in the process depending on the circumstances.
Read more about grandparents rights.
Can social services speak to neighbours?
Social services in the UK have the authority to speak to neighbours as part of their duties and investigations. When a child’s safety or well-being is a concern, social workers may gather information and evidence from various sources, including neighbours, to assess the situation.
Read more about social services talking to your neighbours.
Can social services take my child away without evidence?
Social services can take action to protect a child if they believe the child is at risk of significant harm. This involves an application to the Court. However, they must have reasonable grounds to believe that the child is in danger.
Read more about removing children without evidence.
How long do social services take to investigate?
The duration of a social services investigation in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of the concerns raised, the availability of relevant information and evidence and the complexity of the case.
Read more about the length of social services investigations.
Can social services take my child if I am homeless?
Social services have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Homelessness alone is not necessarily a reason for child services to take a child away from their parents.
Read more about having a child and being homeless.
Can social services stop me seeing my child?
If they have concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, social services can take action to protect the child, including intervening in parental contact arrangements.
Read more about social services and preventing contact with your child.
How long do social services stay involved?
The duration of involvement will vary depending on the specific circumstances and needs of individuals or families.
Read more about the length of social services involvement.
Can I find out who reported me to social services?
The identity of the person who reported you to social services is generally kept confidential.
Read more about confidential reports to social services.
How to win your child back from social services?
If you’re facing a situation where your child has been taken into the care of social services it’s important to consult with a child law solicitor who specialises in child law and child protection cases but there are a few steps you could consider.
Read more about winning your child back from social services.
Who is eligible for Legal Aid when under investigation by children’s social services?
When under investigation by social services in the UK, it is essential to understand that Legal Aid maybe available to provide crucial support and guidance during this challenging time.
Read more about Legal Aid.
