Child Protection: A challenging and sensitive area of the law
According to the law, protecting children from harm is the responsibility of their parents or guardians. In an ideal world, there’d never be a need for legal intervention to ensure that this happens. But if things do go wrong and a family breaks down, the safety of any children should always be the first priority. So it’s good to know that children and families can count on Scott-Moncrieff’s team of experienced child protection lawyers to act quickly and effectively so that children are kept safe from harm and their best interests are looked after.
Experienced Child Protection Solicitors you can rely on
There are all sorts of ways in which families can be affected by a crisis. One parent or guardian may have a particular problem which means they are unable to look after their children safely. Mental health issues and alcohol or drug abuse are some of the most frequent obstacles to children being safe in the parental home. Domestic violence can also threaten the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of children.
In difficult and painful scenarios like these, legal advice may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the support and expertise of one of Scott-Moncrieff’s experienced lawyers can make a huge difference to how a case progresses. It can also rescue parents from the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness that often arise.
A reassuring safe pair of hands
If you’re worried about the safety of your own children because of the behaviour of your spouse or partner, if you have a custody or contact issue you would like to discuss with us, or if Social Services have intervened in your family, our child protection solicitors will provide the very best legal advice and guidance. If matters become urgent we can also initiate a court order to ensure that a child’s welfare is safeguarded.
You’ll find our child protection solicitors are both approachable and reassuringly expert – just the sort of lawyer you’ll want on your side, needed when your family is in crisis.
What is the role of Social Services in England?
When the safety of a child is in doubt the State, in the form of Social Services, has a legal duty to step in to ensure that the child’s welfare is protected. In certain rare situations – and always as a last resort – Social Services are obliged to consider removing a child or children from the family home. This may be on a temporary basis or long-term.
Social Workers are, of course, bound by the law. Despite this, child protection cases can become complicated and muddled and it can seem as if things aren’t proceeding as you’d expect. We believe it’s our job to help you make informed and sensible decisions about how to proceed. Our solicitors will keep you fully abreast of every development and every likely next step so that you never feel you’re in the dark.
Child Protection Solicitors & Legal Aid
Legal Aid in England is available for many cases involving child protection, which may mean that your case won’t cost you a penny.
If not, our solicitors will be able to advise on the best way of funding your case. We know that it’s vital to keep you 100% informed about the cost of your case as it progresses and we provide regular cost updates so that you’re never in the dark.
Contact our Child Protection Lawyers in London today
For more information get in touch via our online contact form or call our team now on 020 3972 9011 .