Understanding the system

The process, in plain English.

What each stage actually means. What you can expect. What you are entitled to ask for, see, and challenge.

Also in this section

Getting your records.

How to ask a local authority or Cafcass for the information they hold about you, what they can lawfully hold back, why “it’s legally privileged” is often wrong, and how to complain to the Information Commissioner.

Read the guide

Take it with you

Before your next meeting.

A printable one-page checklist for child protection conferences, core groups and child in need meetings: what to bring, what to ask, and what to write down the same day.

Get the checklist

If you only do one thing today

Get a solicitor on your side.

In care proceedings, legal aid for parents is free and non-means-tested. You should not face this without representation. Our support page lists trusted starting points.

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The process, in plain English.

When social services first become involvedWhat a referral is, who can make one, and what to expect in the first days and weeks.

Child protection conferences explainedWhat an Initial CP Conference is, who attends, and how decisions are made.

Court orders — what each one actually meansSection 20, EPO, Interim Care Orders, Care Orders, Placement Orders and Adoption Orders.

Your rights as a parent or carerWhat you are legally entitled to ask for, see, and challenge.

What to expect at a family court hearingFrom the first directions hearing to the final hearing, in plain English.

Assessments — parenting, psychological, viabilityWhat different assessments are, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Getting your records.

Before your next meeting.

Get a solicitor on your side.