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. Here are some reasons why social services may commence court proceedings.
- Neglect: If a child is experiencing severe neglect, such as inadequate supervision, lack of appropriate food and clothing, or failure to receive necessary medical care, social services may intervene to ensure the child’s well-being.
- Physical abuse: When there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, including deliberate harm or non-accidental injuries inflicted on a child, social services may step in to protect the child from further harm.
- Sexual abuse: If there are allegations or evidence of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child, social services will investigate the situation to ensure the child’s safety.
- Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse refers to the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child, such as belittling, humiliating or rejecting the child. Social services may become involved if a child’s emotional well-being is significantly compromised.
- Domestic violence: If there is domestic violence in the household where a child resides, social services may intervene to protect the child from witnessing or experiencing physical or emotional harm.
- Substance abuse: If a parent or caregiver’s substance abuse issues significantly impact their ability to care for the child, social services may intervene to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
- Parental incapacity or illness: If a parent or caregiver becomes seriously ill, physically incapacitated, experiences a mental health crisis or has significant psychological issues that prevents them from adequately caring for the child, social services may step in to provide support or alternative care arrangements.
- Risk of significant harm: Even in the absence of immediate abuse or neglect, social services may take action if there is a reasonable belief that the child is at risk of significant harm in their current living situation.
It’s important to note that social services have a legal duty to support families and work towards reunification when possible. Removal of a child from their home is usually considered a last resort when all other measures to ensure the child’s safety within the family have been exhausted or are deemed inadequate.
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.
