The most important thing to do is to find a solicitor.
Parents and carers should be able to meet with their solicitor before the meeting. If the meeting is on a date the parent or their solicitor cannot make, the solicitor may speak with the children’s services lawyer to change the date.
Once a parent has found a solicitor, they can next read through the pre-proceedings letter again. It is a good idea to:
- Read through the concerns that are set out in the pre-proceedings
- Note down any questions they about what is said or anything that isn’t clear
- Note down anything that they think is not accurate
- Think about what extra help or support from children’s services or other agencies might help to improve things
- Discuss what is happening with the wider family and friends network
- Think about how family and friends might be able to help.
Discussing things with family and friends can be, or feel, difficult. But it will be helpful to involve them early on in the process. See How should re wider family and friends involved in the pre-proceedings process?