The PLO Process (Pre-Proceedings)
What it means and what to do if you receive a letter
If you receive a letter from Social Services inviting you to a meeting under the PLO process, it can feel serious and difficult to know what will happen next. In most cases, it means Social Services are considering starting court proceedings about your child.
This guide explains what the PLO process is and what you should do now.
What is the PLO process?
PLO stands for the Public Law Outline. It is the process Social Services should follow before making an application to court for a care or supervision order.
You may hear this described as:
- “pre-proceedings”
- a “letter before proceedings”
The aim is to give you a final opportunity to address concerns and work with professionals so that court proceedings may be avoided.
When does it happen?
The PLO process usually starts when Social Services are very concerned about a child’s safety or welfare and believe the situation may meet the legal threshold for court intervention.
You will usually receive:
- a formal letter setting out the concerns
- an invitation to attend a PLO meeting
This letter is important. It sets out what Social Services say needs to change.
What happens at the PLO meeting?
The meeting is usually attended by:
- you (and anyone with parental responsibility)
- your solicitor
- the social worker and their legal representative
At the meeting:
- the concerns will be explained
- expectations will be set out clearly
- you will be given an opportunity to respond
- next steps and timescales will be discussed
This is often the final stage before court proceedings are started.
What should you do now? (practical steps)
- contact a solicitor as soon as you receive the letter. We have specialist child care solicitors who undertake this work: care proceedings
- read the letter carefully – make a note of the key concerns
- start addressing the concerns where you can if you think they are valid
- keep a record of what you are doing – appointments, communication and progress
Early steps can make a difference.
When should you get legal advice?
You should seek legal advice as soon as you receive a PLO letter.
We can:
- explain the concerns and the legal position
- attend the meeting with you
- help you prepare what you want to say
- advise you on what steps are likely to carry weight
This is a stage where legal advice is important.
Common terms explained
- PLO (Public Law Outline) – the legal framework Social Services follow before going to court
- Threshold – the legal test Social Services must meet to start court proceedings
- Care proceedings – court proceedings about a child’s care and welfare
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is available for PLO (pre-proceedings) meetings. It is non-means, non-merits tested, and you will not have to pay.
We provide this Legal Aid.
If court proceedings are started, Legal Aid is generally available for parents regardless of income.
What to bring if you have instructed us
- the PLO letter
- any previous correspondence from Social Services
- a short timeline of what has happened so far
- details of any support or services you are using
If you only do three things now
- contact a solicitor as soon as you receive the letter
- consider what your view is about the concerns in the letter and what you want to do or say about them
- attend the meeting prepared and ready to respond
Sources and important note
This guide is based on current law and practice in England and Wales, including the Children Act 1989 and statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education. It reflects how these processes operate in practice. It is intended as general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice on your specific situation.