Social Services & Care Proceedings
Legal Advice and Support
When social services get involved in your family life, the situation can feel sudden, stressful, and out of your control. Whether you’re invited to a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, placed under a child protection plan, or notified of care proceedings, it’s essential to know your rights and act with legal support.
When social services get involved in your family life, the situation can feel sudden, stressful, and out of your control. Whether you’re invited to a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, placed under a child protection plan, or notified of care proceedings, it’s essential to know your rights and act with legal support.
At Rashid Solicitors, we help parents, guardians, and relatives respond to local authority concerns. We explain the process clearly, represent you at key stages, and help ensure your family is treated fairly under the law.
Why social services may intervene
Depending on the outcome, the council may
- Invite you to a PLO meeting
- Put your child under a formal child protection plan
-
Apply to court for a Care Order, Supervision Order
or Emergency Protection Order - Ask for alternative family carers to step in
These steps are not just informal warnings — they have legal consequences. If you don’t respond appropriately, the situation can escalate. We help you stay informed, composed, and clear about your legal position.
Why legal advice is crucial
If you’re facing pressure from the local authority, it’s important not to panic or act in isolation.
Early legal advice allows you to
- Prepare for PLO meetings with a solicitor by your side
- Understand whether your parenting is being unfairly criticised
- Clarify what the council can and cannot do without court approval
- Propose safe, workable alternatives that avoid removal
- Assert your rights respectfully, without losing credibility
We support you in presenting your case calmly and constructively — especially when your family life is under scrutiny.
Fixed fee for legal advice
Service
Legal advice in
social services matters
What’s included
We offer a fixed fee for
clear, early-stage legal advice.
Fixed fee
£350
(No VAT)
This includes
- A consultation with a qualified solicitor
- Review of council letters, plans, or assessments
- Advice on your rights and position
- A written follow-up with your next legal steps
You’ll never be charged without agreement.
Disbursements and additional costs
Some cases require third-party costs, known as disbursements.
These are separate from our legal fee and may include
- Interpreter or translation services
- Certified copies of documents
- Process servers for formal delivery of papers
- Medical or psychological reports required by the court
No cost is added unless you’ve approved it.
Supporting you through the process
Our role is to support and protect you while helping you cooperate with social services constructively.
That might mean preparing for a PLO meeting, responding to a child protection plan,
or applying to court as a relative who wants to care for the child.
We advise you when to speak, what to agree to, and how to raise concerns without making things worse. If the council is applying for a Care Order, we act quickly so your side is heard and your child’s best interests are respected.
Who will handle your case
Your case will be handled or supervised by a qualified solicitor. You will receive a written client care letter confirming who is acting for you, what is included in your fee, and how to stay in contact.
Language support
We offer legal support in Bengali, Sylheti, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Somali and other languages. If you need help understanding your financial disclosure or consent order, we will ensure you receive support in the language you prefer.
how we work
Free 15 Min Consultation
24/7 Access for Urgent cases
Fixed Fees No hidden charges
Frequently asked question
A formal meeting where the local authority explains it's concerns and may ask you to agree to certain actions. You should not attend without a solicitor.
Only in emergencies. In most cases, the council must apply to court. If this happens, we act immediately to protect your rights.
Yes, but you must be assessed. We can help you apply and explain your role to the local authority or court.
You have the right to challenge reports or ask for evidence. We help you do this lawfully and professionally.
Seek legal advice immediately. We can explain the legal basis and help you act quickly.
No. Anything you say may be recorded and shared with others involved in the case. We guide you on what to say and how.
Yes. If the parents cannot care for the child, relatives can apply. We help you navigate the legal process.
Yes. The sooner you get advice, the better. We can still represent you and help you re-engage with the process.
Book your free 15-minute consultation
If you're dealing with social services involvement, don't face it alone. Speak to a solicitor today and take informed, confident steps to protect your family.
Call now or book your consultation online.
