Care Proceedings Solicitors in Cardiff and South Wales

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.

In practical terms, this is often the last opportunity to address Social Services’ concerns before care proceedings are issued. 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 where necessary.

Are the Concerns Raised Fair?

The concerns raised by Social Services at this early stage are not always clear-cut. Some issues can be subjective in that what one social worker may view as a risk, another may view 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 whilst 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 Cardiff Care Proceedings Solicitors Can Help

Our Cardiff team is led by Gayle Williams. Gayle is an extremely experienced care proceedings solicitor, having been qualified for over 20 years and practised in the area throughout.

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 has 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. We will also assess whether the concerns raised are relevant to the legal principles that any court would have to consider.

Where it will assist your case, we also work with local support agencies, such as Safer Wales, Women’s Aid, CAVDAS, CAU, CDAT and RISE, with whom we have established relationships. We will help signpost you to any local support agencies who may be able to support you and your family.

Gayle Williams is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel and can represent children through CAFCASS in care proceedings. She also represents parents in applications for Child Arrangements Orders, including both “Lives With” and “Spends Time With” arrangements.

Our Cardiff Office Address

33 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9HB

[email protected] | 029 2045 8999

Meetings can be arranged at our Cardiff office or virtually.

Where Are Care Proceedings Heard in Cardiff?

Care proceedings involving families in Cardiff and the surrounding areas are generally heard at Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre. The court deals with a range of family law matters, including public law children cases brought by Local Authorities.

Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre
2 Park Street
Cardiff
CF10 1ET