Local Authorities’ Duties
Local Authorities have a duty to safeguard vulnerable children; and when Social Services are concerned about a family, they may become involved, and may call a Child Protection Conference or a Pre-Proceedings meeting. They may issue court proceedings for a Care Order (Care Proceedings) or in some urgent cases for an Emergency Protection Order.
These situations can be very upsetting, traumatic and difficult to resolve, especially if you face the possibility or the reality of your children being removed from your care.
You need to contact us immediately if this situation arises. We will work with you with care and sensitivity, liaise with Social Services and provide you with strong and experienced representation, to make sure that you are treated fairly and that your voice is heard.
Battrick Clark Solicitors of Bristol have an experienced and specialised team which includes members of The Law Society’s Children Panel who, as well as regularly representing parents, are qualified but more often are appointed to represent children in these difficult cases.
If you are a parent in this type of case, you will be entitled to free Legal Representation. Your Legal Aid will be quickly arranged as soon as you instruct us. We also frequently represent other family members, particularly grandparents, who can be involved in and affected by these situations. In these cases, entitlement to Legal Aid will depend on individual circumstances.