What to expect if Social Services become involved with Family

Social Services have a statutory obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

Families often feel anxious at the thought of Social Services becoming involved and about letting them into their homes. These worries are natural but it is important for you to know that they are there to offer support and work with you to do what they can to avoid any drastic action – such as considering referring the matter to court.

When a child is referred to Social Services an initial assessment is completed by a social worker. Following the initial assessment there are three options:-

1. File closed, no further action is required, or
2. Support will be offered to you and your family, or
3. Core assessment is required.

A core assessment is a more in depth assessment completed by a social worker. The purpose of the assessment is to clarify and identify the needs of the children and gain a greater understanding of their circumstances and your ability to meet those circumstances.

Following a core assessment it may be that you are invited to attend a Child Protection Conference which is a meeting with you and professionals involved in your children’s lives, e.g. health visitor or teacher, and it is where plans are made with you about what needs to be done to protect your children or ensure that all their needs are being met which include health, accommodation, stimulation and being kept safe from risky individuals. That plan may involve you attending groups or undertaking direct work with professionals. If you are asked to attend a Child Protection Conference you should seek legal advice.

You will be kept informed throughout the entire process and your involvement with Social Services. It is important that you maintain contact with the children’s social worker to make sure that you can receive those updates.

Here at Johnson Astills we have a specialist care department who are experts in child care law and can advise, assist and represent you throughout your involvement with Social Services. We will assess you for free legal advice through Legal Aid as in many cases, free legal advice can be obtained.

If, after attending a Child Protection Conference your children are made subject to a Child Protection Plan and Social Services do not see changes being made within the family home or their concerns increase they can seek their own legal advice and enter into Court proceedings. Care proceedings can be a worrying time for any parent and our specialist solicitors in the care department at Johnson Astills will be there for you along the way to advise and assist you to achieve the best outcome for your children and you. 

If Social Services are involved with your family and you would like to speak to one of our specialist solicitors within the care department at Johnson Astills, please do not hesitate to call us on 0116 255 4855.