A knock at the door from children’s social services can be a heart-stopping moment for any parent. But while it can feel daunting, it’s important to know that it’s not always bad news. Understanding why social services are involved, what to expect, and how to respond can make a huge difference for your family.
Why Have Social Services Contacted Me?
Social services are there to protect children and make sure they are safe and well cared for. By law, they must investigate all referrals they receive.
Common reasons for social services involvement include:
- Concerns raised by schools, doctors, hospitals, or the police
- Reports from members of the public worried about a child’s welfare
- A history of previous children being removed from a parent’s care
- Being present during a police call-out, such as a domestic argument
Even if you don’t believe there is a problem, social services have a duty to check. Other services, including the police and schools, also have a duty to refer any concerns to social services to try to ensure all children are safe.
Where Does the Information Come From?
Referrals to social services usually come from:
- Schools – if staff notice signs of neglect, unexplained injuries, or changes in behaviour
- Hospitals or GPs – if they’re concerned about a child’s health or safety
- Police – if they attend incidents where children may be affected, even indirectly or are present in the home when they attend
- Members of the public – neighbours, relatives, or friends can make a report
Once a concern is raised, social services must decide whether an investigation is necessary.
Your First Contact with a Social Worker
After a referral, a social worker will normally call or visit your home.
This first meeting is your chance to:
- Ask them to clearly explain their concerns
- Share your side of the story calmly and factually
- Correct any misunderstandings early on
Co-operation is important, even if you disagree with their assessment. It shows you’re willing to work in your children’s best interests.
How Asking for Help Can Work in Your Favour
If your family is struggling with housing, finances, or your child’s education, tell the social worker. Being open about your challenges can:
- Show that you’re proactive
- Help you access support you may not have known was available
- Reassure social services that you’re committed to improving things
Sometimes, social services’ involvement can open the door to the practical help you’ve been waiting for.
What Happens Next?
Depending on their findings, social services may:
- Close the case if your children are safe and well
- Offer support services to help your family
- Continue visiting to monitor progress
- Invite you to meetings to discuss the situation
The process can be stressful, but staying engaged and cooperative will work in your favour.
Many families work with social services under Child in Need plans because they need support. This can be around disabilities, behavioural problems, mental health concerns, education or anything else your family needs support with. This is voluntary and is there to support parents in meeting their children’s needs.
A child protection conference is arranged when social workers have concerns that the children may be suffering harm. Solicitors do not usually become involved at this point. If you work to address the concerns hopefully the case will not become more serious and progress towards court.
When to Get Legal Advice
You should seek legal advice immediately if:
- You are asked to sign a Section 20 agreement to place your children in care voluntarily
- You are sent a pre-proceedings or PLO (public law outline) letter (headed: “PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS LETTER. TAKE IT TO A SOLICITOR NOW”)
- Your social worker tells you they are starting care proceedings in court
- Your children are involved by the police under police protection
Call us on 020 8768 6849 as soon as you receive any of the above and speak to a member of the care team.
Understanding the Legal Process
If social services believe your children are at risk of significant harm, they may begin care proceedings in court.
- You will be invited to a meeting with your solicitor (this is the “pre-proceedings” stage).
- In urgent cases, social services may go directly to court without a meeting first.
Legal aid is automatically available to parents in care proceedings or pre-proceedings, regardless of income.
Why Choose Amphlett Lissimore?
Our experienced family law team in Crystal Palace, Borough, Mitcham, and Bromley. All of the solicitors, legal executives, and paralegals in the team specialise in care proceedings, and also include solicitors on the Children Panel, meaning they also represent children. We work closely with experts and support services to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.
