The NSPCC has recently has recently released a report warning that hundreds of children currently in care will be sent back to their family homes without the support needed to keep them safe from harm.
The NSPCC research showed that around half of the children who entered care each year, return home to experience abuse or neglect. The research recognised that the Government’s focus on adoption was welcomed but is only an outcome for a small minority of children who go into care, less than 5%.
The NSPCC has called for the Government to issue new child centre guidance to Local Authorities when returning children home from care.
All of these matters make it even more important for parents faced with Social Services’ involvement to seek urgent advice from experienced Solicitors. Public Law Outline Meetings are likely to be more important as such meetings give an opportunity to try and avoid care proceedings beginning. Again, advice from experienced Solicitors at that point is essential.
Stephens Scown LLP has a number of Solicitors who are members of the Law Society Children Panel who can give advice to parents in that situation. They also provide advice to the Children’s Guardians who are appointed when care proceedings commence.
