Social services have advised a solictor!

[bustersmum]

Hi,

I am new to this forum. My friends children have been on the at risk register for some time. They have been having a tough time at home lately. One of the children was hit by the step dad and it left a bruise. The bruise was picked up by the school and they called the police.
The police cautioned him and alert the social services. Social services have said that the step dad has to leave the house for up to 2 weeks until they work out how they will be dealing with this. My friend has had a letter from social services and it states that she has a meeting in the week and she will need a solicitor for her case. Does this mean the social services are going to remove one child or both her children or its the frighteners? Please help as she is beside herself.

[frustrated mum]

it possibly sounds like a what I think is called a pre proceeding process. Im going to be soon going through this after advice from my own solicitor. Basically you sit in a room and explain whats been going on what help you want etc. ss then say there bit. the children are not invited to this meeting but should be allocated a guardian to speak up for them. you then come to an agreement on both sides , yours and ss on what can be done for the safeguarding of the child/children. The letter should of given your friend a list of local family solicitors as long as she has pr she will get legal aid. She must go to the meeting and prove that she is doing everything agreed.The ss have to do everything agreed to. Its a long process or so ive been told. the ss will only take your children if you break the agreement. or if they deem the children in danger of serious harm. I apologise now if what I have said isn't all correct im not an expert in this matter unlike some of the brave souls on this site. Im sure someone will come along and put me right

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Thank you frustrated mum- that is a very useful summary of the situation.

bustersmum, you can read more about the process in our advice sheets about child protection procedures and/ or care proceedings.

You or your friend are also welcome to call our advice line to discuss the situation in more detail.

Best Wishes

Suzie
FRG Adviser