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Child Care Videos

What is a Legal Planning Meeting?

Date when Video was Published: 16/10/2023

Script for the above Video

A Legal Planning Meeting will be held when the Social Worker has concerns and believes that a court order may be necessary to protect a child. The professionals at the meeting will discuss and decide whether the threshold criteria has been met to initiate proceedings. The Local Authority will then seek legal advice and discuss the case further. They will determine whether it is in the best interest of the child to provide the family further support or whether Care Proceedings should be initiated. Care proceedings can be initiated either immediately or pre-proceedings could be initiated first. During the meeting, the Local Authority will also discuss whether any assessments should be undertaken. If the outcome of the meeting recommends care proceedings should be issued then a draft care plan should be recommended for the child and will be discussed at the Meeting. The Legal Planning Meeting will be held between the children’s Social Worker, Local Authority managers and the legal representative for the Local Authority. Parents and family members of the child are encouraged to attend and engage with the process. The role of the solicitor at the meeting is as an advisor and to offer support to the parent. At the conclusion of the Legal Planning Meeting, the Local Authority may give the parents more support and time to improve their parenting. They could also apply for a Court Order to protect the child and remove them from the care of their parent/ guardian or decide that the child goes to stay with another family member. They could also decide to take no further action After the meeting, parents should be sent a letter setting out what was discussed and decided at the meeting and what the next steps in the case will be. This maybe a letter before proceedings or a letter of issue. Duncan Lewis Solicitors have specialist solicitors who represent clients in this niche area of law. Please visit our website or call us directly on 033 3772 0409

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Disclaimer

This video content was created on 16/10/2023 to provide an overview of the legal position and the information was correct at the time this video was created. This video has been produced for purposes of generic information and marketing purposes only. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularised advice of your own legal advisor. Please consult one of our lawyers to provide you with advice and assistance on any matters touched on this video. Viewing of this video does not create legally binding advice and does not create a retainer with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This video is Copyrighted at Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2023. Any illegal reproduction of this content is prohibited and will result in immediate legal action.

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