Social services generally get involved at three points:
- Child protection conferences / team around the family or child
- Pre-proceedings
- Proceedings (going to court)
If you are asked to attend a pre-proceedings meeting, or you are served with papers commencing care proceedings, and you are a parent, you will automatically be entitled to legal aid – so all your legal representation will be free of charge.
Some parents become involved with social services when their children are in hospital and it is alleged that they have hurt them. This is especially upsetting. Taking early legal advice is extremely important in these circumstances.
