Public Law Outline Matters

Before consideration of issuing Care Proceedings, Children’s Services may activate the Public Law Outline in respect of your child or children.  They will do so when the concerns for your child/children are so great that they are considering taking a case to Court to ask for a Care Order to take your child/children into care or for a Supervision Order to be made.

 The Public Law Outline sets out the duties local authorities (Children’s Services) have when considering.  This is a serious process and the highest level of pre-court proceedings that can take place.  The PLO process is the first stage in child protection matters which is eligible for Legal Aid.

Parents will receive a letter outlining the concerns that Children’s Services has and what has been done so far to address those concerns.  The letter will invite the parents to a meeting which must take place within 7 days of receiving the letter.  At this meeting, Children’s Services will make it clear to parents what is expected of them concerning their child/children.  If changes are not made and Children’s Services continues to have concerns about a child’s safety, Care Proceedings will be initiated.

We are here to help and advise you during this process and we can attend PLO meetings with you to ensure your interests are fully and properly represented.