Care Proceedings in Swindon

If Social Services have become involved with your family, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can make a significant difference. Whether you have received a Letter Before Proceedings, inviting you to a PLO meeting, or care proceedings have already been issued, we can provide clear advice, explain what happens next, and support you throughout the process. 

Our Family Law team advises and represents parents, grandparents, children, and other family members in Swindon and throughout Wiltshire, as well as in Bristol and Gloucester. Led by Jessica Reddy, we regularly assist clients facing some of the most difficult and stressful situations they will ever experience, including the possibility of children being removed from their care.  

Legal Aid is automatically available to parents, regardless of income or savings.

01793 683989 | [email protected]

Have You Received a Letter Before Proceedings?

A Letter Before Proceedings is sent by Social Services when they are considering issuing care proceedings concerning a child. The letter will usually set out their concerns and invite you to attend a formal meeting, often referred to as a PLO meeting.  

Effectively this is to the last chance to avoid care proceedings at court. Obtaining legal advice before attending a PLO meeting is very important. We can support you throughout, helping you prepare for the meeting and advising you on the steps that may reduce the likelihood of court proceedings being issued. 

We understand that PLO meetings can be particularly difficult, and Social Services often hold these virtually. Some clients find video meetings stressful or struggle with this format for other reasons. We are sensitive to these needs and will advocate for breaks or other adjustments to be made during the process where needed. 

Are the Concerns Raised Fair?

The concerns raised by Social Services at this early stage are not always clear-cut. Some issues can for example be subjective in that what one social worker may view as a risk, another may less so. We will carefully review the concerns raised and, where appropriate, challenge any assessments we consider to be unfair or based on an incomplete understanding of your circumstances. In other cases, a different approach may be more effective, focusing on practical steps that can be taken to address and resolve those concerns

What Are Care Proceedings?

Care proceedings are court proceedings brought by a Local Authority when it believes that a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, significant harm. 

The court will consider the concerns raised by the Local Authority, hear evidence from all parties involved, and decide what arrangements are in the child’s best interests. 

The Local Authority may seek various orders, including: 

• Interim Care Orders 

• Interim Supervision Orders 

• Care Orders 

• Supervision Orders 

In some cases, the Local Authority may seek the removal of a child from a parent’s care while proceedings are ongoing. Parents often feel that the situation presented by Social Services does not tell the whole story. There may be important background information, or recent changes in circumstances that need to be properly explained to the court. 

How Our Swindon Care Proceedings Solicitors Can Help 

Our Swindon team is led by Jessica Reddy who is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel.   

From the initial Letter Before Proceedings through to any final court hearing, our team can guide you through the process, advise you at each stage of the case, and make sure your voice is heard throughout.

Our team of experts have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the obligations of Social Services and we will ensure that the correct procedures are followed. We will challenge Social Services should these procedures not be followed correctly. Our experts will be able to assess whether the concerns raised by Social Services are relevant to the legal principles that any court would have to consider. It is important that you have legal representation at PLO meetings to ensure that the full rights of you and your family are properly protected.

Where it will assist your case, we also work with local support agencies, such as The Nelsons Trust, Change Grow Live (CGL) Open2Change and Fear Free, with whom we have established relationships. We will help to sign post you to any local support agencies who may be able to support you and your family.   

Jessica Reddy is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, and she can represent children through CAFCASS in care proceedings. Jessica is regularly instructed by Children’s Guardians and conducts her own advocacy.  

Luana Silliton is an Associate Solicitor and has worked in the area throughout her career. As well as her work in Swindon she also undertakes work in Gloucester and Gloucestershire. Luana is experienced in dealing with a range of issues including addiction, domestic abuse and non-accidental injury.  

Jessica Cantu is an Associate Solicitor and specialises in representing parents in care proceedings. Jessica works in our Swindon office but also undertakes work in the Bristol area. Jessica is known for her compassionate and dedicated approach, as well as her robust representation.  

Roberta Jackson is an Associate Solicitor and trained at Reeds. Roberta specialises in acting for parents in care proceedings, and she is known for her practical and understanding approach.  

Rhianna Kirby is a solicitor who covers both our Swindon and Bristol Offices. Rhianna primarily represents parents at Pre-Proceedings Meetings (PLO) and in Care Proceedings.  

Our Swindon Office Address

10 Commercial Road
Swindon
SN1 5NF

Meetings can be arranged at our Swindon office or virtually. 

Where are care proceedings heard? 

Care proceedings involving families in Swindon and the surrounding areas are generally heard at the Swindon Crown & County Court or the Swindon Magistrates Court. Our Solicitors also attend Court in Trowbridge. The court deals with a range of family law matters, including public law children cases brought by Local Authorities.

Swindon Crown & County Court
The Law Courts
Islington Street
Swindon
SN1 2HG 

Swindon Magistrates Court 
Courts of Justice
Princes Street
Swindon SN1 2JB