Why Have I Been Referred to Social Services?
Social Services Investigations happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes a referral is made by the children’s health visitor or school if there are concerns that a family may need additional support. In other cases, there may be concerns about parental alcohol or drug misuse or mental health problems and child neglect or abuse.
In these circumstances, the local authority may get in touch with you and may conduct an investigation.
It can be very worrying to become involved with Social Services, particularly if you have no experience of this. It is very important that you feel able to work openly and honestly with Social Services to ensure that you get the best outcome for you and your family. We are able to help by providing you with initial advice and we may be able to support you under the Legal Help scheme to explain your rights, communicate effectively with Social Services and safeguard your family.
Child Protection Conference
In some circumstances a social worker may decide to convene a Child Protection Conference and invite you to a meeting with all of the professionals involved with your child. The purpose of this meeting is to enable all professionals to understand the concerns that may be held for your child and to agree a plan to ensure that you are properly supported and your child is kept safe. We appreciate that this can be quite a daunting process and we are able to provide you with advice concerning the Child Protection Conference and Plan.
In many cases involvement with Social Services does not go beyond an initial assessment, or Child Protection Conference. If matters escalate we are able to assist you with meetings with Social Services pre-proceedings and court proceedings.
Legal Aid Available
Legal Help is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
Legal Aid is always available for parents of children who are being taken to court by social services”. Find out more about Legal Aid.
Why choose Banner Jones Family Law Solicitors?
Several of our care solicitors are on the Law Society's Children Panel. Only solicitors who meet the Law Society’s exacting accreditation requirements are permitted to join the Children Panel and represent children in public law care proceedings.
Our experts in public law care proceedings can provide you with support and guidance throughout the care proceeding's process. We are specialists in cases involving non-accidental injury and child neglect.
Ms J, MansfieldCare Proceedings
Can’t thank you enough for everything, and for explaining things to me. Would use the company again. Friendly, nice, understanding and on time for appointments too.
Mr C, StanfreeI would like to thank you in all you have done for me in respect of these issues and I will not hesitate to come to you for further advice as and when needed.
Mr & Mrs W, AlfretonThankyou Helena Downing for all your excellent service.
Mr & Mrs R, ChesterfeldHelena I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in us. Without you I don't know what we would have done.
Mrs W, MansfieldVery efficient, friendly and professional. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. They made the whole experience problem free.
Mr & Mrs S, BridlingtonWe’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!
Mr C, DronfieldVery easy to make appointments, very personal service from all people at Banner Jones, my solicitor was very friendly and put me at ease. If I needed a solicitor again, Banner Jones would be the first on my list.
Miss H, NottinghamshireBrilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Mr & Mrs D, MansfieldCannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr W, NottinghamshireService provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr & Mrs L, ChesterfieldThank you Helena for all of your help and support. We have one very happy boy again.
Mr. B, Rotherham
Thanks for everything Helena you are a legend.
Miss D, ChesterfieldThank you so much 😊 we are very pleased with the outcome too and so relieved I can’t thank you enough for taking the case and helping me out again very grateful I feel like this time was much easier as well. Now just to finish parental assessment which is going very well and as they said on the meeting they will no longer be involved and will step down.
Mr W, ChesterfieldHi Melanie thank you for all the help that you have given me me whilst I have been on on the PLO. You have a caring manner and a pleasant nature and you have patience of a saint. I bet have nearly tried them a few times many thanks
(Care Proceedings Chesterfield)
Case ManagerCare Proceedings
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all of the time and effort you have put into this long-standing case - you have gone above and beyond for the client and tried your utmost to ensure his interests are protected throughout the proceedings.
Mrs O, ChesterfieldCare Proceedings
Thank you for everything Melanie, nearly 2 years and every step you have really helped me on every step of the way. I know you have gone above and beyond to help me and really want to thank you. You are a brilliant solicitor and lovely person.
Miss B, ChesterfieldApologies for not thanking you at the courts, I walked and talked with the guardian but I'd like to massively thank you both for your help and support and putting up with my rants I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with, I appreciate it massively.
Legal 500Vince Beckworth leads the busy care proceedings team where he is highly regarded for his representation of parents, family members and interveners in children’s care proceedings
Legal 500Vince Beckworth, is exceptional in his commitment to his clients and to ensuring that they have the best advice and support available.
Legal 500Jason Burnett is approachable and very client-focused