Social Sevices’ involvement with the children
The Children Act 1989 directs how the state should intervene in children’s lives and the lives of their families. There are many ways in which the local authority can be involved with families. The local authority can apply to a court asking the court to make a care order which places a child in the care of the designated local authority or under the supervision of a local authority. The court can only make a care or supervision order if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the child concerned is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
Public Funding is available for representation in any of these type of court proceedings.
In other cases it is not always necessary to be involved in court proceedings with the Local Authority. For example they may take such action to place the child on the child protection register. Parents are entitled to legal representation and assistance to attend at child protection conferences.
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline www.childline.org.uk
A guide to young people in care www.carelaw.org.uk
