Care Proceedings & Social Services
Family Law and Child Care Solicitors
The law relating to care proceedings and social services involvement is very specialised. Here at Hopkins Solicitors we recognise that you need the best quality advice and representation when you are involved in care proceedings.
What are Child Care Proceedings?
Care proceedings are when a local authority, or social services become involved in a court case where a child and their family is involved. These proceedings can be extremely worrying and you may feel completely overwhelmed by the process. This is especially true if social services are considering removing your child from your care. We can help at any stage of this process including:
- Care proceedings
- Child protection plans
- Neglect
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Non-accidental injury
- Section 20 agreements
- Sexual abuse
How we can Help
If you are in care proceedings or have been notified that you will be, then Legal Aid is automatic and you will not have to pay us any fees to legally support you.
Our specialist solicitors will guide you through the process and give you clear advice throughout in order to give you the best chance of achieving what you want for your family.
We will advise and assist you from the very first stage, right from when a social worker first gets in touch with you. We will attend child protection, child in need and Public Law Outline (PLO) meetings with you to ensure you fully understand the process.
Child Care Proceedings in Court
In cases where the local authority applies to court for an order, we will advise you and provide you with representation at court. We will help you secure legal aid to ensure you get the best outcome for your family.
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Child Protection Conference
Are You Facing a Child Protection Conference? Let Hopkins Solicitors Be Your Ally. Child Protection Conferences are a critical stage…
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Public Law Outline Meetings (PLO Meetings)
Local Authorities, Legal Aid, and Your Rights in Child Care Cases. The PLO process is a cornerstone in ensuring the…
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Care Proceedings – in Court
If the local authority takes your case to court, it is likely they will be asking the court for a…
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Section 20 Agreements
Are you facing a Section 20 Agreement? Know Your Rights and Options. A Section 20 Agreement can be a confusing…
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Can Social Services remove my child from my care?
Concerned About Child Removal? Understand Your Legal Stand with Hopkins Solicitors. The prospect of child removal is daunting and deeply…
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Can Social Services take me away from my parent(s)?
Social Services are trying to take me away from my parents, how can I get help? Our advice will depend…
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Meet the Team
Testimonials
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This is the 3rd time I have used your services and I am happy with them
Gemma Bradley, 21st August 2026
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Libby explaining all the information clearly and simple
Andrew Limb, 21st August 2026
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All staff friendly helpful and polite. Elizabeth very helpful and made sure I understood everything.
Rosalind Murray, 21st August 2026
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Quick and Clear legal advice that allowed me to understand my rights and delivered me an outcome that I am very happy with!
John McGettrick, 21st August 2026
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Quick, clear advice, supportive
Terry Waldron, 21st August 2026
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Have you received a letter from Social Services?
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