Care Proceedings

Care Proceedings at St Pauls Chambers

St Pauls Chambers child care barristers regularly represent parties in child care proceedings. We most frequently represent Parents, Local Authorities, Grandparents, Children and Carers. Our experienced family lawyers are often instructed to challenge and test all the evidence that arises in such proceedings to ensure that outcomes such as removal and adoption are achieved when absolutely necessary and only ever when in the child’s best interests.

It is the responsibility of local authorities to look out for and protect the welfare of children in need. Authorities work alongside parents to enable children to continue to be brought up at home, by offering the right support services to parents and children.

There are times however, when a Local Authority believes that some children may be safer, or better cared for, living away from their family home. For example, there may be allegations of neglect, sexual abuse or non-accidental injuries (NAI’s) which need exploring further. Sometimes this can be done by voluntary agreement between the Local Authority and the parents. On other occasions the Local Authority may need to go to Court and get a child care order.