How long do social services stay involved?
The duration of social services’ involvement will vary depending on the specific circumstances and needs of individuals or families. Social services’ involvement typically begins when a referral is made to the local authority’s social services department regarding concerns for a child’s welfare.
If the concerns are deemed serious and immediate, social services may conduct an initial assessment to determine the level of risk and the appropriate course of action. Following this assessment, social services may decide to take no further action, provide short-term support, or initiate ongoing involvement.
For cases that require ongoing support or intervention, social services may undertake a more detailed assessment known as a core assessment. This assessment aims to understand the individual or family needs comprehensively and develop a care plan to address those needs. The duration of social services’ involvement can vary widely based on the nature and complexity of the issues involved
In some cases, social services involvement may be relatively short-term, such as providing immediate support and signposting individuals to appropriate services. However, in more complex cases, social services may maintain involvement for an extended period, potentially involving regular monitoring, reviews, and the provision of ongoing support and interventions.
It is important to note that social services primary objective is to ensure the safety, well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals. The duration of their involvement is determined by the assessed level of risk, the progress made towards addressing concerns, and the ongoing need for support and the effectiveness of that support.
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.
