Child Protection & Care Proceedings
Articles explaining the Child Protection Procedure and Care Proceedings, by our Middlesbrough Solicitor.
Changes to Legal Aid – April 2013
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor writes about the legal aid changes to family law;-
So the 1st April 2013 has brought major changes to welfare and benefits and your entitlement to legal aid – but what does this actually mean to you?
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Family Solicitor Stacey Phoenix achieves Children Panel Membership Accreditation
We are very proud to report that our Family Solicitor, Stacey Phoenix, has achieved membership of the specialist Law Society Children Panel, demonstrating her expertise and knowledge in the area of child law. The Children Law Accreditation Scheme covers all types of children law work.
Child Law – The role of the Children’s Guardian
What is a Children’s Guardian?
Children’s Guardians are qualified in social work and trained and experienced in working with children and families. They are appointed by the court to represent the rights and interests of children in cases that involve social services. They are independent of social services, courts and everyone else involved in the case. Children’s Guardians work for CAFCASS or may be self-employed. Their role is to consider what is best for the child at all times during a case. The important part is that they are independent, they do not always agree with the social worker. They will have their own solicitor to represent them at court in your case.
Paul Watson achieves Resolution Specialist Accreditation in Family Law
The skill of Paul Watson, Principal of Paul J Watson Solicitor in Middlesbrough, have been recognised by the UK’s leading family law group – Resolution. Paul Watson has recently gained Resolution accredited specialist status.
Child Protection – Things to remember.
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor advises;-
- The purpose of a Child Protection Conference is to bring professionals together with the family of a child at possible risk of harm;
Child Protection Plan – What happens next?
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor explains;-
At the Child Protection Conference, a date will be agreed for your first Core Group Meeting, which you will need to attend. Solicitors do not usually attend these meetings as they are informal and relaxed, but in some circumstances you can request that your Solicitor attends with you.
What happens at a Child Protection Conference?
The meeting will be led by the Chair; this is an independent safeguarding officer who makes sure that the meeting follows the correct schedule. There will also be a minute-taker at the meeting, who writes down everything that happens, to allow a report to be provided to everyone involved.
Can I have a Solicitor attend a Child Protection Conference with me?
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor explains;-
Yes you can. Parents, carers and children are entitled to have a Solicitor present with them at a Child Protection Conference. The role of a Solicitor at a CPC is as an advisor and to offer support to the client. However, in some circumstances where the client does not feel able, the Solicitor may be able to speak on their behalf.
Who can attend a Child Protection Conference?
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor explains;-
The parents or carers of the child will be invited to attend. The child may be invited to attend all or part of the conference, but only if they are of sufficient age and maturity to understand the procedure.
What is a Child Protection Conference?
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor explains the Child Protection procedure;-
I have been told that the Local Authority is starting child protection procedures; what does this mean?
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