Can social services take my child away without evidence?
Child 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. Typically, they would require evidence or information that raises concerns about the child’s safety or well-being. This evidence can come from various sources, such as reports from professionals, police, teachers, healthcare providers, or concerned members of the public.
Child social services have legal powers to intervene if they believe a child is at risk. They can conduct investigations, make inquiries, and potentially apply to the Court to remove a child from their family if there are immediate concerns for the child’s safety. However, these actions are typically taken as a last resort, and social services will usually try to provide support and interventions to keep the child within their family whenever possible.
If you have concerns about child social services or believe that your child is at risk of being taken away without sufficient evidence, it is crucial to consult with a legal professional who specialises in child law. Parents are entitled to free Legal Aid for participation in Court proceedings.
If you and your family are being investigated by children’s 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.
