From time to time, it maybe necessary for the Social Work to become involved in the care of a child. This can be for many reasons, ranging from non-attendance at school to concerns about the standard of parental care given to the child, to extreme situations where there are allegations of abuse. If you or someone you know finds themselves in a situation where the Social Work have become involved in the care of a child, it is important that you get expert legal advice from the beginning.
If the situation is sufficiently serious, Social Work may refer the case to the Scottish Children’s Reporter. The parents of the child or those closely involved in caring for the child may be invited to a Children’s Hearing. The purpose of the Children’s Hearing will be to discuss the care arrangements for the child and to make various orders about this, including where the child is to live and with whom the child is to have contact.
If you or someone you know is invited to attend a Children’s Hearing in respect of a child, it is important that you seek legal advice. Our Solicitors have extensive experience of attending Children’s Hearings across Scotland. We can give expert advice about preparing for and attending a Children’s Hearing. In certain circumstances, we may be able to attend the Children’s Hearing with you to represent you. In many cases, we will be able to get legal aid funding to do this.
Where a decision is made at a Children’s Hearing, a relevant person (being a parent of the child or someone who has a sufficiently close connection with the child and who was involved in the Hearing) can apply to the Sheriff Court to Appeal the decision of the Children’s Hearing. If the Sheriff is satisfied that in all the circumstances of the case, the decision of the Children’s Hearing was not justified, the Sheriff can substitute his own decision for the decision of the Children’s Hearing or, he can send the case back to the Children’s Hearing to be looked at again. It is very important to bear in mind that there are strict time limits for making such Appeals to the Sheriff Court. It is therefore of the utmost importance that you seek legal advice right away if you disagree with a decision made at a Children’s Hearing. Our Solicitors have the knowledge and expertise to act quickly in this situation and make an urgent Appeal to the Sheriff Court on your behalf.
The law around Child Protection proceedings and Children’s Hearing changed recently with the introduction of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. Our Solicitors have a clear understanding of the up to date law and can advise you fully on all stages of the Child Protection process.
Children's Panel Hearings/Appeal Solicitors Glasgow, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Edinburgh, Shetland
Our solicitors pride ourselves in providing high quality and cost-effective legal advice, and have a strong commitment to achieving positive results for our clients. We tailor solutions specifically to your requirements; delivering cutting-edge advice and skilful court representation where needed. Contact us now via our online contact form, or give us a call on 0141 404 6575 (Glasgow) or 0131 358 4231 (Edinburgh).