Support when social services get involved

If you have received a letter from the Local Authority (Social Services/Children’s Social Care) about concerns for your child, it can feel overwhelming. You may have been invited to a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting or told that court proceedings are being considered.

This is a crucial moment and you do not have to face it alone.

Our specialist childcare solicitors are here to support you from the very start. We will attend meetings with you, explain what’s happening, and help you work with Social Services to find the best outcome for your child.

What should you do first

If you have received a letter from Social Services:

Call our Childcare Team immediately - 0808 196 8200
We will help you prepare for the PLO meeting
We will attend meetings with the social worker and their legal team
We will work to avoid court proceedings where possible

If court proceedings do begin, we will represent you at every stage and make sure your voice is heard.

What if your child has been harmed or injured?

If Social Services are investigating an injury or harm to your child, and you have been told you or someone else may be responsible, it’s vital to get legal advice straight away.

Even if you are still in hospital with your child, we can:

Help with discharge planning
Begin building your legal case immediately
Assemble a team of experienced lawyers and, if needed, a senior barrister (King’s Counsel)
Explore expert assessments that may support your case

The earlier we are involved, the more we can do to help.

What will the court consider?

The court’s primary concern is always your child’s welfare. It will consider:

Your child’s wishes and feelings (based on age and understanding)
Their physical, emotional, and educational needs
The likely impact of any changes to their home or care
Their age, background, and any relevant characteristics
Any past or potential harm
How well you (or others) can meet their needs

Remember: Social workers don’t make final decisions - only a judge can do that. We will guide you through the process and help protect your child’s long-term interests.

What Orders might be made?

Care Order
The Local Authority shares parental responsibility with you. They may decide who cares for your child - this could be a foster carer or a family member. You will still be involved in key decisions.
Supervision Order
Your child may stay with you, but Social Services will monitor and support your care.

How we can help

Our experienced childcare solicitors represent:

Parents

Children

Children's Guardians

Grandparents

We will help you understand your rights, support you through the legal process, and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.

Isobel represented me through a complex two-year family law case. From the start, her legal expertise and focus on my children’s welfare were clear. As proceedings grew complicated, she remained calm, strategic, and remarkably efficient. Isobel offered honest, fair advice and built a true partnership based on trust. After an exceptionally long and difficult process, we achieved everything we set out to accomplish. I am enormously grateful for her resilience and guidance, and recommend her without hesitation.

Family Client

We used Porter Dodson in Bridport for a Declaration of Trust. Karen Watts was both kind and professional throughout. She explained everything to us very clearly, and having her to guide us through the process made it straightforward and reassuring. All the team are so courteous and helpful, we will always use and recommend them. Sincere thanks again.

Maureen

Isobel Massey goes the extra mile for her clients and is extremely well prepared. She is very helpful for counsel and writes detailed and clear instructions, while also keeping counsel in the loop regarding bundles.

Legal 500 UK 2025

Isobel had an amazing ability to ignore all the peripheral noise to home in on detail that was important to the children and their needs. At the same time she managed to make the seemingly impossible conversations easy and comfortable. She finds the silver linings in the darkest of moments. I am eternally grateful.

Family Client