Do grandparents have rights when social services investigate?
Grandparents do not have automatic legal rights regarding child 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.
When child social services investigate concerns regarding a child’s welfare, their primary focus is to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. They assess the child’s needs and the ability of parents or caregivers to meet those needs. If social services determine that a child is at risk of harm or neglect, they may take actions to protect the child, such as initiating court proceedings or placing them in foster care.
Grandparents may become involved in the process if they have a pre-existing relationship with the child and can provide a safe and suitable environment for them. Grandparents can seek to be assessed as potential caregivers, and social services will consider their involvement as a placement option if it is deemed in the child’s best interests. The Local Authority do have a duty to keep the child within their family if possible, when they cannot be with their parents.
Bretherton Law provide child law advice for people located in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. 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.
