During care proceedings, it is important for parents to stay in regular contact with their solicitor. But this is very important before a final hearing.
Parents may find it stressful or upsetting to read some of the documents included in the court bundle. But it is important that parents know what has been said and written by others involved in the case.
Parents should be able to go through the papers with their solicitor. Their solicitor can explain anything that is not clear. Parents may want to read some key papers before meeting with their solicitor. For example, key assessment reports and the care plan and social work statements. Noting down questions or views in response can be helpful. This could be on paper, in an email or in a voice note.
Things that it may be useful for parents to think about include:
- Anything they have done to address the concerns of children’s services. This could be a course, counselling, making a lifestyle change for example
- What in the papers they do not agree with or would like their solicitor to ask for more information about
- What they think the best long-term care arrangement for the child is. This includes who the child should live with but also
- Who they should have an ongoing relationship with and stay in touch with. And in what way.
If the parent has a disability, they must be supported in being able to understand what is in the documents. This could be, for example, having the help of an advocate or large print text, depending on the disability.
See our Working with a solicitor guide on our Top tips and templates page for advice about what parents should be able to expect when working with a solicitor.