Head of Family and Childcare
When you’re asked to attend a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, also known as a pre-proceedings meeting, it can be stressful and upsetting.
If you are invited to a PLO meeting it means that your Local Authority or social worker believes that the health, safety and wellbeing of your child is at serious risk. This meeting is your chance to try and work with the Local Authority and make changes to demonstrate that your child can be safe in your care.
There may be more than one PLO meeting if social workers consider that necessary, and if they believe changes can be made which would avoid the need for them to take their concerns to Court.
Before you go to your PLO meeting, it’s important to know what to expect so you can be prepared. Our experienced and compassionate care proceedings solicitors can help you every step of the way,
When a PLO meeting is planned, you will receive a letter from your Local Authority asking you to attend a meeting. This should outline the reasons for the meeting and give you a time, date and location.
PLO meetings are put in place when the Local Authority and Social Workers have serious, ongoing concerns about the health, safety and wellbeing of a child.
Social Workers will be hoping to have an open and frank discussion with you. It isn’t the purpose of a PLO meeting to confront you or accuse you of being a terrible parent. You’ll have a chance to explain your circumstances and make suggestions about what you think is the best way to look after your child.
Hopefully, the outcome of the meeting will be to agree on a plan that will get you the help and support you need to better protect the welfare of your child, without needing to go to Court.
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Social workers were concerned about the welfare of four children aged from 9 months to 6 years old, as neighbours had heard shouting in the home and bottles smashing. The police attended the family home and found the father being drunk and abusive.
Charlotte (not her real name) contacted our Care Proceedings Solicitors for help when she was told that Social Services were starting Court proceedings because of their concerns about her children. Charlotte had 3 children aged 3, 5 and 7. She’d been struggling with her mental health for some time and recently things had gone downhill at home.
A Section 20 is a voluntary agreement where social workers invite a person with Parental Responsibility to agree to have their child temporarily placed in alternative accommodation such as foster care. If a social worker has asked you to consider Section 20, you might be feeling worried about what happens next. It’s important you consider your options carefully before making any decisions.
As a Partner, Children Panel Solicitor and Department Head of our teams of Care Proceedings Solicitors in London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds; Patricia represents parents, other carers and children in care proceedings and other matters related to disputes regarding children.
Patricia also offers advice and representation to those seeking protection from or responding to allegations of domestic abuse.
Patricia joined Simpson Millar in October 2018, and has over 20 years’ experience in Family Law, having qualified as a Solicitor in 2001.
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