The case management hearing – tips for parents
This is an important hearing that will shape what happens in the proceedings and when. It will be important for parents involved in care proceedings to work closely with their solicitor and keep in regular contact with them. For tips and information to help with that see our Working with a solicitor guide on our Top tips and Templates page.
Parents should discuss with their solicitor and social worker who in the family might be able to support them as soon as possible. Family members who may be able to offer care for the child should share this information as soon as possible. How this can best and most quickly be done will depend on precise situation.
Options include:
- Contacting the child’s social worker directly if their name is known. The child’s parent may be able to provide this information and contact information for the social worker
- Asking the parent(s) to let their solicitor or the child’s social worker know
- Contacting children’s services via phone, email or letter. The contact information should be available on the local council website or from directory enquiries
- Contacting the children’s guardian or the child’s solicitor, if their details are known
- Writing to the court dealing with the case – if the family members is aware of the details. Or if the situation is urgent and there is a court hearing about to take place, the family member can attend court themselves.
A family group conference can be a good way to find out how family and friends can help. This is a family-led planning meeting which brings together the whole family, and others who are important to the child. Together they make a plan for the child. Children’s services may suggest that a family group conference takes place. But parents and carers can also request this. See our Family group conference: advice for families page for information.