PLO Meetings

PLO Meetings in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield

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In the event that a local authority, such as Social Services, feels that they have serious concerns about the care of a child, the parent/parents may receive a letter from the local authority inviting them to a Pre Proceedings Meeting or PLO meeting (PLO stands for Public Law Outline). The meeting is an opportunity to address the concerns that the local authority has. The stress of going through the court system can be avoided if the issues can be resolved at the PLO meeting.

In the letter, the authority will inform the parent/parents that they are entitled to be accompanied to the PLO meeting by a solicitor. Having legal representation at the PLO meeting is vital. A specialist Care Law solicitor will be able to explain the concerns the local authority has about the child, and offer expert advice to the parent/parents on how to resolve the situation most efficiently.

Although PLO meetings are designed to be constructive, it may be upsetting for a parent to hear what the local authority has to say about their children. By offering independent legal advice, a solicitor will help to keep the discussion on track with a view to doing what is best for both the children and the parents.

Legal Aid is available for all parents, and also for anyone with parental responsibility such as a Grandparent or an Aunt/Uncle.

Care Proceedings Advice

The people who hold the parental responsibility of the child have the right to decide how a child is raised and cared for.

Generally, we represent parents and children in care proceedings but sometimes we represent grandparents or foster parents. Our approach is to focus on the welfare of the child and to help you understand how the Courts make decisions in these types of cases.

We cannot stress how important it is to seek advice from specialist family lawyers who have experience even if you believe you can handle the situation. Circumstances can change quickly and the local authorities and social services can apply to the court to overrule you as a carer for your child. This would only happen on the ground that they believe the child is at risk of harm in their current home however the family courts do not take risks and may give power to the local authority even if it is a provisional basis. Do not take the risk our specialist team would be able to represent you and support you through this process.

Grandparents Rights

It is worth noting that if your Grandchild is placed with you via an order from the Court, you are automatically entitled to Legal Aid support with your case.

Care Proceedings Experts

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.

When an injury to a child has been identified, either with no explanation or with an unnaceptable explanation, it is likely that social services will become involved and the Local Authority will start care proceedings against those with parental responsibility. These injuries are described as a Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) and the term can be used widely for various types of injuries, often including:

Shaken baby syndrome
Broken Bones
Smothering
Poisoning
Bruising
Infant death

Where a non-accidental injury is suspected, there are many issues that will need to be considered by all parties, and it is important to have experienced representation at this point. Our team are here to guide you through this complex process step by step.

Want to know more?

Care Proceedings

To find out more about Care Proceedings and how they work, read the article.

Divorce and Family law

Thanks for your assistance with my case, your advice has been invaluable, and I would certainly recommend Banner Jones to my family and friends.
Mr P Sheffield

Care 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.
Ms J, Mansfield

I 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 C, Stanfree

Thankyou Helena Downing for all your excellent service.
Mr & Mrs W, Alfreton

Helena 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.
Mr & Mrs R, Chesterfeld

Very efficient, friendly and professional. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. They made the whole experience problem free.
Mrs W, Mansfield

We’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!
Mr & Mrs S, Bridlington

Very 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.
Mr C, Dronfield

Brilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Miss H, Nottinghamshire

Cannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr & Mrs D, Mansfield

Service provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr W, Nottinghamshire

Thank you Helena for all of your help and support. We have one very happy boy again.
Mr & Mrs L, Chesterfield

Thanks for everything Helena you are a legend.
Mr. B, Rotherham

Thank 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.
Miss D, Chesterfield

Hi 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)
Mr W, Chesterfield

Care 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.
Case Manager

Care 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.
Mrs O, Chesterfield

Apologies 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.
Miss B, Chesterfield

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