Care proceedings are among the most serious family cases. A local authority asks the court to decide whether a child has suffered, or is at risk of, significant harm and what orders are needed to protect them. Parents remain central to the process.
Threshold
Before a care or supervision order can be made, the court must be satisfied that the threshold in section 31 of the Children Act 1989 is met — significant harm attributable to the care given, or likely to be given, not being what a reasonable parent would provide, or the child being beyond parental control.
Interim decisions
Early hearings can include interim care or supervision orders. These are temporary but highly significant. The court considers risk, proportionality and the child’s welfare while assessments continue.
Your role
- Attend hearings and meet assessment deadlines
- Take legal advice early
- Keep records and engage with the social work plan where safe and appropriate
- Put forward realistic kinship options if the child cannot remain at home
When to get advice
If care proceedings have started or a pre-proceedings letter has arrived, contact us promptly so timelines and evidence can be managed.